Chinese authorities have successfully repatriated more than 10,000 citizens from Middle Eastern nations this week amid escalating regional tensions. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun confirmed on Tuesday that coordinated efforts between diplomatic missions and aviation authorities ensured safe returns from the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and neighboring countries.
"We've mobilized additional flights and optimized routes to prioritize citizen safety," Guo stated during a press briefing, highlighting round-the-clock coordination since March 7. The Civil Aviation Administration of China temporarily doubled flight capacity to key Middle Eastern hubs to accommodate stranded travelers.
The evacuation comes as Beijing issued renewed warnings against non-essential travel to areas near Iran affected by military conflicts. "Our embassies stand ready to assist Chinese nationals in distress through 24/7 emergency channels," Guo added, while emphasizing travelers' responsibility to heed official advisories.
This operation follows established protocols from previous regional evacuations, with analysts noting improved response times compared to similar 2024 efforts. Business travelers accounted for 68% of those evacuated, according to unverified social media reports from returnees.
