Second group of 58 Chinese nationals, including two Hong Kong compatriots arrive in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan from Iran in the early morning of March 2, 2026. Photo: Courtesy of the Azerbaijani Overseas Chinese Association

The second group of 58 Chinese nationals, including two Hong Kong compatriots, arrived safely in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan from Iran in the early morning of March 2, Azerbaijani Chinese Overseas Association President Bao Lijun told the Global Times on Monday. 

According to Bao, about 100 more Chinese citizens are expected to evacuate to Azerbaijan from Iran. The association has deployed six buses to assist in transporting compatriots.

The evacuation was organized by the Chinese Embassy in Azerbaijan and supported by the Azerbaijani Overseas Chinese Association, Bao noted.

Second group of 58 Chinese nationals, including two Hong Kong compatriots arrive in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan from Iran in the early morning of March 2, 2026. Photo: Courtesy of the Azerbaijani Overseas Chinese Association

Since the security situation in Iran escalated, 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 a media inquiry about 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 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.