China advises nationals to evacuate Iran immediately due to heightened security risks, as US military build-up and diplomatic tensions escalate in the region.
BEIJING: China has urgently warned its citizens in Iran to leave the country “as soon as possible”. The foreign ministry issued the advisory on Friday, citing a significant rise in external security risks.
It specifically urged Chinese nationals to strengthen safety precautions and evacuate promptly. The warning comes as Iran faces threats of potential US military strikes.
The United States authorised the departure of non-emergency embassy staff from Israel on the same day.
This move accompanies Washington’s threat of strikes on Iran and its largest military build-up in the Middle East in decades.
The heightened tensions follow Oman-mediated talks between Iran and the US a day earlier. These negotiations were seen as a last-ditch effort to avert a broader conflict.
Initial optimism from the talks was quickly tempered by Tehran. Iranian officials warned that Washington must drop what they termed “excessive demands” for any deal to be reached.
In light of the current security situation, Beijing’s foreign ministry also advised citizens to avoid travelling to Iran for the time being. The ministry stated that Chinese embassies and consulates in Iran and neighbouring countries will provide necessary assistance.
This assistance will support Chinese citizens seeking to relocate via commercial flights or overland routes.
