Follow Us on Google
From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
Following the crisis in the Middle East arising from the war between the United States/Israel, and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has disclosed that 10,000 Chinese passengers have safely returned home.
Some of the countries listed by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs from which the passengers were airlifted included the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, during a regular press conference in Beijing, said that for days running, the Foreign Ministry had been working closely with the Civil Aviation Administration to boost the flight capacity of domestic airlines to bring back Chinese passengers stranded in the Middle East.
Guo also said China’s diplomatic and consular missions in the region had reached out to their host countries to obtain facilitation for Chinese carriers and had provided timely updates on security alerts and flight information, while looking after the stranded passengers.
“Through concerted efforts, over 10,000 Chinese passengers have safely returned to China from countries including the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
“As the fighting continues, some airports in the Middle East have yet to fully resume operation,” Guo said.
The spokesperson also said the Foreign Ministry once again urged Chinese nationals not to travel to Iran’s neighbouring countries and regions impacted by the military conflict.
Other News
“Our embassies and consulates in the region will do everything possible to provide necessary assistance to Chinese nationals in need,” he added.
Guo further responded to a question on concerns regarding destabilisation of energy production and export passage in the Gulf region, saying that China is deeply concerned over the continued tensions in the Middle East.
Guo said: “Parties need to stop the military operations at once, avoid further escalation, and prevent the regional turmoil from having a greater impact on global economic growth.
“Energy security is of vital importance to the world economy. All parties have the responsibility to ensure a stable and unimpeded energy supply. China will do what is necessary to protect its energy security. For anything specific, I’d refer you to competent authorities.”
On seeking an end to the war, Guo said China is gravely concerned over the ongoing tense situation in the Middle East.
He also said that over the past few days, China has carried out intensive mediation efforts whereby Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, had telephone conversations with his counterparts of multiple countries for in-depth exchange of views on the situation in the region.
“During his press conference at the two sessions, Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed that to find the right and proper solution to the issues relating to Iran and the Middle East, we need to respect national sovereignty, reject the abuse of force, uphold non-interference in internal affairs, and promote political settlement of hotspot issues, and major countries should play a constructive role and use their strengths in goodwill. These fundamental principles must be observed. As we speak, Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue, Zhai Jun, is in the Middle East to carry out shuttle diplomacy.
“To prolong or escalate the conflict does not serve any party’s interest. China will continue to maintain communication with relevant parties, including parties to the conflict, step up mediation, build consensus, and work for the de-escalation of the situation,” Guo stated.
