China Evacuates Citizens from Iran and Israel Amid Escalating Conflict
In a press conference held on June 17, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian announced that China will swiftly evacuate its citizens from Iran and Israel, following the escalation of military conflict between the two countries. The spokesperson emphasized that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the safety and security of its citizens abroad and has activated emergency response mechanisms to protect them. Some Chinese citizens have already been safely evacuated to neighboring countries, and the Foreign Ministry, in conjunction with relevant departments, is working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all Chinese citizens in Iran and Israel.
17 June 2025
The Chinese government's decision to evacuate its citizens from Iran and Israel comes amidst a significant increase in military conflict and severe security threats to local personnel in the region. The situation in the Middle East has escalated following Israel's attack on Iran, leading to a substantial rise in tensions. As a result, the Chinese government has taken swift action to protect its citizens overseas, with the Chinese Foreign Ministry and its embassies and consulates in Iran and Israel immediately activating their consular protection emergency response mechanisms.
Chinese citizens in Iran and Israel are advised to contact the Chinese embassies and consulates or call the 12308 consular protection hotline for assistance. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese embassies and consulates in Iran and Israel are also urging Chinese citizens to avoid traveling to these countries due to the recent escalation of tensions between them. The security situation in both countries is severe and complex, with Israel launching military operations against Iran and Iran retaliating with attacks on Israel.
Chinese citizens who are already in Iran or Israel are advised to leave the countries as soon as possible or relocate to safe areas. In the event of an emergency, they should call the local police immediately and contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in the area for assistance. The Chinese government has also provided emergency contact numbers, including the police hotline, medical emergency hotline, and the Chinese Embassy and Consulate hotlines in Iran and Israel, as well as the Global Consular Protection and Emergency Hotline of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Chinese government's actions demonstrate its commitment to protecting the safety and security of its citizens abroad, particularly in times of crisis. By rapidly organizing the evacuation of its citizens from Iran and Israel, China is prioritizing their well-being and security, even in the most challenging and unpredictable situations. As the situation continues to unfold, the Chinese government will likely remain vigilant and take all necessary measures to ensure the well-being of its citizens in the region. The evacuation process is complex, requiring careful planning and execution to ensure the safe extraction of Chinese nationals without exacerbating the situation on the ground.
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