Amid intensifying hostilities between Iran and Israel, China has urgently called on its citizens to leave both countries, while sharply condemning US President Donald Trump for inflaming the situation with his stark evacuation warnings.
In an official online statement, the Chinese Embassy in Iran announced it is working closely with Iranian authorities to facilitate the safe departure of Chinese nationals. “We strongly advise all Chinese citizens currently in Iran to leave the country as soon as possible,” the embassy said, citing the rapidly deteriorating security environment.
Simultaneously, China criticized President Trump’s recent directive urging Tehran residents to “immediately evacuate,” accusing the US leader of “pouring oil on the flames” of an already volatile conflict.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized at a Beijing press briefing that provocative rhetoric and escalating pressure would only deepen and widen the crisis rather than promote peace.
“The global community, especially nations with significant influence over Israel, must take urgent responsibility to de-escalate tensions and prevent further escalation,” Guo urged.
The flare-up follows Israel’s surprise airstrikes last week on multiple Iranian military and nuclear sites, aiming to halt Tehran’s alleged nuclear weapons ambitions — a charge Iran vehemently denies.
The surge in violence has raised alarms over a possible wider regional war and jeopardized ongoing diplomatic efforts to resume stalled nuclear negotiations.
China’s embassy in Israel issued a parallel advisory, urging Chinese nationals to evacuate “via land border crossings where personal safety can be guaranteed,” recommending Jordan as a preferred route.
The embassy highlighted the worsening situation: “Extensive damage to civilian infrastructure and rising casualties underscore the grave security risks.”
As global leaders call for restraint, China’s position highlights mounting concerns that escalating military actions and incendiary statements risk plunging the Middle East into deeper instability and prolonged conflict.
