China warns citizens in Iran about security risks as nuclear talks end without deal
Embassy advisory issued on Saturday says Chinese in Iran should not photograph sensitive sites or restricted areas
In an advisory early on Saturday, China’s embassy in Tehran said there were “external security risks that have risen significantly” and Chinese nationals in Iran should “closely monitor changes in the security situation and strengthen their safety awareness”.
Hours earlier, the foreign ministry in Beijing used similar language when it urged its citizens to leave Iran as soon as possible, warning there had been a “significant increase in external security risks” in Iran. It said Chinese citizens should not travel to the country.
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The Saturday advisory did not insist its citizens leave, but said Chinese in Iran should “refrain from photographing sensitive sites such as government institutions and military facilities” and “avoid accidentally taking photos of or entering restricted areas”.
The embassy also advised those planning to travel by air to stay up to date on flight information.
In a social media post on Friday, the foreign ministry said Chinese embassies and consulates in Iran and neighbouring countries “will provide necessary assistance to Chinese citizens for relocation via commercial flights or land routes”.
The US and Iran held a third round of indirect talks on Iran’s nuclear programme, mediated by Oman, in Geneva on Thursday but did not reach a deal.