China attaches great importance to the safety of the Chinese passengers stranded in Middle Eastern countries and has done everything possible to help them leave the war-stricken region, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said in Beijing on Friday.
Mao was responding to a media query on the Chinese government's assistance to those Chinese passengers stranded in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict between Israel, the United States and Iran.
"We attach great importance to the safety of the Chinese passengers stranded in Middle Eastern countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately activated its emergency response mechanism, directing relevant embassies and consulates abroad to strengthen engagement with the host countries and provide full assistance to our stranded compatriots. We have held urgent consultations with domestic authorities including the Civil Aviation Administration, urging the airlines to resume flights as soon as possible while ensuring safety," she said.
"Through the concerted efforts of all parties, positive progress has been made. In the evening of March 4, a foreign airline flight carrying nearly 300 Chinese citizens safely arrived in Guangzhou from Dubai. Starting March 5, Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Hainan Airlines have successively resumed flights to and from countries including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Saudi Arabia," said Mao. "We once again solemnly remind Chinese citizens that under the current complex and severe situation in the Middle East which has significant uncertainties, please refrain from traveling to the countries and the regions affected by military conflicts. Those already there should closely monitor relevant information and seize the opportunity of the resumption of flights to evacuate promptly. If assistance is needed, please contact the Chinese embassies or consulates or call the 12308 consular service hotline," said the spokeswoman.
China exerts every effort to provide assistance to citizens stranded in Middle East: spokeswoman
