Beijing urges restraint amid warnings and evacuation calls
China has accused former U.S. President Donald Trump of aggravating the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, following his call for residents of Tehran to evacuate immediately.
Responding to the intensifying hostilities sparked by Israel’s recent surprise aerial strikes on Iranian targets—an operation Israel claims was aimed at thwarting Iran’s alleged nuclear ambitions—Trump issued a dramatic warning on his Truth Social platform, urging: “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”
The former president also pressed Iran to return to stalled nuclear negotiations, which were disrupted by the Israeli offensive.
Reacting to Trump’s remarks, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun criticized the approach, saying:
“Fanning the flames, pouring oil, issuing threats, and applying pressure will not lead to de-escalation. On the contrary, it will intensify and expand the conflict.”
Beijing urged all parties, particularly those with influence over Israel, to take immediate action to reduce tensions and prevent a wider regional crisis.
Amid the rising violence, China’s embassies in both Iran and Israel issued advisories for Chinese nationals to leave the countries urgently.
In an online statement, the Chinese Embassy in Tehran said it was working with Iranian authorities to assist citizens in departing the country and recommended routes through neighboring Turkey, Armenia, and Turkmenistan.
Similarly, the Chinese Embassy in Israel advised its citizens to exit the country toward Jordan, warning of the deteriorating situation:
“Civilian infrastructure has been severely damaged, casualties are rising, and the overall security situation continues to worsen,” it said in a message on WeChat.
China’s comments come amid growing global alarm over the potential for a broader Middle East war following days of tit-for-tat missile strikes between Iran and Israel.
