The first government-chartered flight carrying 330 Chinese citizens evacuated from Iran touched down at Beijing Capital International Airport on Friday afternoon, marking a significant repatriation effort amid regional tensions. The flight originated from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, after coordinating with Central Asian authorities to ensure safe passage.
Flight Details and Passenger Safety
All passengers aboard the special flight were confirmed as Chinese nationals, including employees of state-owned enterprises and long-term residents of Iran. Upon arrival, travelers underwent health screenings and were transferred to designated facilities for a 21-day quarantine – a precaution reflecting China's strict pandemic-era border protocols despite recent easing.
Cross-Regional Collaboration
The evacuation highlights growing cooperation between Asian nations in crisis management. Turkmenistan facilitated the flight's departure from Ashgabat International Airport, demonstrating regional diplomatic coordination. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated: "This operation underscores our commitment to protecting citizens abroad while maintaining stability through international partnerships."
Analysts note the evacuation's timing coincides with renewed diplomatic efforts to address security concerns in the Persian Gulf region, though officials emphasized this was a routine consular protection measure.
