China’s Foreign Ministry said the citizens returned safely from several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. The announcement was made by foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a press briefing.
Authorities said the ministry worked with the Civil Aviation Administration of China to guide domestic airlines to increase flight capacity so stranded citizens could return home quickly. Earlier, the foreign ministry also confirmed that more than 3,000 Chinese citizens had been evacuated from Iran as tensions in the region escalated.
The conflict began after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28. Since then, the war has disrupted travel routes across the Middle East, leading to flight cancellations and travel chaos.
Major Chinese airlines, including Air China and China Southern Airlines, later resumed flights between some Chinese cities and key Gulf hubs such as Riyadh and Dubai to help bring people back. China has strongly criticized the US and Israeli strikes and repeatedly called for a ceasefire. Beijing has also sent a special envoy to the Middle East to help mediate and reduce tensions.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi proposed a five-point plan to address the growing crisis. Speaking during the Fourth Session of the 14th National People’s Congress, he urged an immediate ceasefire and respect for the sovereignty of all countries involved.
The proposal also calls for rejecting the use of force, avoiding interference in internal affairs, encouraging political dialogue, and urging major powers to play a constructive role in restoring peace.
Meanwhile, the war continues to cause heavy losses. Iran’s UN ambassador said at least 1,332 Iranian civilians have been killed and thousands more injured since the fighting began.
Must Read: Trump signals Iran war could end soon
US President Donald Trump said Washington had already inflicted serious damage on Iran’s military. He predicted the conflict could end earlier than the four-week timeline he initially mentioned, although he did not clearly define what victory would mean.
US officials say the main goal is to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities and nuclear programme. Trump has also suggested that the war could end only if Iran’s government changes its stance.
Israel says its objective is to remove Iran’s clerical leadership. However, Iran has continued attacks on US military bases in the region.
A spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps rejected Trump’s remarks, saying, “We are the ones who will determine the end of the war,” and calling his comments “nonsense,” according to state media.
