Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning

Since the tense security situation in Iran began, the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy and consulates in Iran have issued multiple reminders and carried out work in various forms, calling on and assisting Chinese citizens to evacuate as soon as possible, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press conference on Monday, in response to media inquiry over the measures that China would take in the next stage to protect Chinese citizens in Iran.

As of March 2, more than 3,000 Chinese citizens have evacuated from Iran. Chinese embassies and consulates in countries neighboring Iran have dispatched work groups to border crossings to provide assistance to Chinese citizens evacuating from Iran, Mao said.

In light of the current situation in Iran, we once again solemnly remind Chinese citizens in Iran to strengthen personal precautions, evacuate safely as soon as possible, and contact the Chinese Embassy or consulates in Iran or dial the 12308 consular protection hotline if assistance is needed, the spokesperson noted.

Speaking at the press conference, Mao confirmed that a Chinese citizen in Tehran had unfortunately been killed amid the ongoing military conflicts.  

"We express our condolences for the deceased compatriot and our sympathies to the family," Mao said. The Chinese Embassy in Iran has been instructed to provide assistance to the individual involved and the family, she said.

In addition, the Chinese Embassy in Israel on Sunday issued a notice regarding the registration for relocation and evacuation of Chinese nationals in Israel after the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran. 

Multiple embassies in the Middle East, including those in Turkey, Azerbaijan and Iraq, have issued notices for Chinese nationals who seek to evacuate from Iran to these countries.



Global Times