China’s embassy in Israel announced plans to begin evacuating its citizens from Friday via the Egyptian border, following the departure of hundreds already from Israel and approximately 1,600 from Iran in recent days.
In a statement released on Thursday, the embassy detailed its efforts to register Chinese nationals for organised bus evacuations from Israel. These groups will depart via the Taba border crossing, located about 360km (224 miles) from Tel Aviv.
To be eligible for evacuation, individuals must possess a valid Chinese passport or national identification card, travel documents from Hong Kong or Macau, or a mainland-issued travel permit for Taiwan residents.
This announcement comes after a phone conversation on Wednesday between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty.
The conflict between Israel and Iran has now entered its seventh day, with missiles striking both strategic targets and residential areas since Israel launched what it termed a “pre-emptive strike” last Friday.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated on Thursday that approximately 1,600 Chinese nationals have been safely evacuated from Iran, along with several hundred from Israel. These evacuations were coordinated by the ministry, China’s embassies and consulates, and neighboring countries. Guo affirmed, “The ministry and relevant diplomatic missions will continue to make every effort to assist Chinese citizens in their safe transfer and evacuation.”
Many Chinese nationals had previously evacuated from Iran using land routes into neighbouring countries, including Armenia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan. On Thursday, China’s embassy in Iran issued an advisory for nationals leaving the country to avoid the Bajgiran border crossing with Turkmenistan and the Astara crossing with Azerbaijan, citing significant delays “due to large crowds and low processing efficiency.” The embassy reiterated its call for Chinese nationals in Iran to “leave via land border crossings as soon as possible” due to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict and deteriorating security situation.
During his phone call with Abdelatty, Wang Yi expressed China’s deep concern that “Israel’s disregard for international law and norms has abruptly escalated tensions in the Middle East and China is deeply concerned that the situation could spiral out of control.” China reiterated its call for a ceasefire by all parties, especially Israel, to de-escalate the situation.
On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping also called for a de-escalation of the conflict and voiced Beijing’s opposition to any act infringing on other countries’ sovereignty. Egypt has taken a leading role, with a group of 21 Arab and Islamic nations issuing a joint statement condemning recent Israeli air strikes against Iran and advocating for regional de-escalation.
China welcomed this statement and pledged to play a constructive role in easing tensions. Wang added, “China stands ready to work with Egypt to enhance communication and coordination at multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, making every effort to push peace talks and reconciliation.”
Reports citing the Washington-based group Human Rights Activists indicate that Israeli strikes on Iran have resulted in at least 639 fatalities—including civilians and security force personnel—and wounded 1,329 others. Iran’s health ministry reported on Monday at least 224 deaths, mostly civilians, and 1,277 injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities stated on Monday that Iranian attacks had killed 24 people and injured over 1,300. China’s foreign ministry confirmed that there were no reports of Chinese nationals being killed or injured in the fighting.
