China begins evacuating citizens from Iran, Israel amid rising regional tensions

(ECNS) -- China has begun evacuating its citizens from Iran and Israel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Tuesday, as tensions in the region continue to escalate following recent cross-border strikes and rising instability. Some citizens have already been safely relocated, and diplomatic missions are working with other agencies to ensure further evacuations.

Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a news briefing in response to a question about China's plans to pull its citizens from the two countries.

China attaches high priority to the safety and security of its overseas citizens. Since the outbreak of the Iran-Israel conflict, Chinese embassies and consulates on the ground have activated emergency consular protection mechanisms and called on both countries to safeguard Chinese citizens and institutions, Guo said at the briefing.

"The Chinese embassies and consulates have also issued advisories in a timely manner, maintained close contact with local Chinese citizens and institutions, guided them in safety precautions and emergency evacuation, and actively provided related assistance," the spokesperson said.

Chinese citizens in Iran and Israel are advised to contact the embassies and consulates or call the 12308 hotline for consular assistance, he added.

(By Zhang Dongfang)