China condemns U.S. attacks as evacuations from Iran, Israel continue

China has heavily criticized the U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear facilities as hundreds of Chinese citizens continued their evacuation from Tehran and cities in Israel.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he had "obliterated" Iran's main nuclear sites, joining an Israeli assault in a significant new escalation of conflict in the Middle East.

Iran's foreign minister said the U.S. and Israel had "crossed a very big red line" and that his country would defend itself "by all means necessary". 

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said: "China strongly condemns the U.S. attacks on Iran. The actions of the U.S. seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and have exacerbated tensions in the Middle East. 

"China calls on the parties to the conflict, Israel in particular, to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible, ensure the safety of civilians, and start dialogue and negotiation. 

"China stands ready to work with the international community to pool efforts together and uphold justice, and work for restoring peace and stability in the Middle East."

Ceasefire demands

China began evacuating its citizens from Iran and Israel last week with tensions growing in the region over the escalating bombardments in both nations.

The Chinese foreign ministry called on its citizens to board chartered flights out of Iran and Israel following President Xi Jinping's call for a ceasefire between the warring states. Xi stressed that the use of force was not the right solution to international disputes.

In a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin regarding the situation in the Middle East, China's President urged the conflicting parties – especially Israel – to cease fire as soon as possible.

The first special flight carrying 330 Chinese citizens evacuated from Iran arrived in Beijing on Friday afternoon, having departed from Turkmenistan. 

Over 740 Chinese nationals have been evacuated from Iran to Azerbaijan through the Astara border checkpoint. With the assistance of the Chinese Embassy in Iran, 87 arrived in the Azerbaijani capital Baku on Saturday.

For several consecutive days, a team from the embassy has been working at the border area, providing necessary security and consular service for Chinese citizens evacuated from Iran.

Embassy support

With over 400 Chinese nationals having been evacuated from Israel so far, the country's Chinese Ambassador encouraged those wishing to leave to register as soon as possible, assuring that the embassy would provide full support.

Speaking exclusively to CGTN, Xiao Junzheng said: "Undoubtedly, the war will impact normal bilateral exchanges. The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, expanding in both scale and scope, carries unpredictable duration and profound uncertainties. 

"The Chinese Embassy has launched an evacuation registration mini-program on our official WeChat account. I urge everyone to register promptly. Once your intent is confirmed, we will organize safe and orderly evacuations from Israel without delay."