By Rehan Khan
BEIJING, Wednesday, June 18, 2025 (WNP): Amid intensifying hostilities between Iran and Israel, China has stepped up the evacuation of its nationals from both countries, successfully relocating hundreds with the support of neighboring states, the Foreign Ministry announced during a regular press briefing on Wednesday.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun confirmed that 791 Chinese citizens have already been safely evacuated from Iran. “Another 1,000-plus people are still in the process of being relocated and evacuated,” he said. “With the active assistance of nearby countries, our embassies and consulates—particularly in Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan—have deployed teams to border checkpoints to help Chinese citizens cross safely and return home.”
Some Chinese nationals have also been safely evacuated from Israel, though specific figures were not disclosed. Guo emphasized that no Chinese casualties or injuries have been reported so far in either Iran or Israel.
Responding to a question from Reuters about the logistics of the evacuations, Guo clarified that China’s diplomatic missions in both conflict zones have issued consular advisories, urging citizens to leave via land routes at the earliest opportunity.
“Evacuation efforts are ongoing and will continue according to each individual’s circumstances and willingness to leave,” he said.
When pressed about the exact number of Chinese nationals still stranded or unaccounted for, Guo reiterated the figures from Iran and said additional information would be released as efforts progressed.
In response to a Bloomberg question about recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump—who, in a social media post, hinted at potential targeting of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender”—Guo expressed Beijing’s concern over escalating rhetoric.
“China is deeply worried about the current situation between Israel and Iran,” he said. “We firmly oppose any threats or actions that violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.”
Guo further warned that continued escalation in the Middle East would benefit no one. “We urge all parties—especially those with significant influence over Israel—to maintain objectivity and responsibility, and to actively support de-escalation efforts,” he stated.
China has maintained a neutral stance throughout the Iran-Israel crisis and has consistently called for calm, dialogue, and adherence to international law.
