China tells citizens to get out of Iran ‘as soon as possible’ as US strike fears grow

China urged its citizens to leave Iran as soon as possible on Friday amid the growing risk of US air strikes after the latest round of talks ended without a deal.The foreign ministry in Beijing warned there had been a “significant increase in external security risks” in Iran and said its citizens should not travel to the country.It also said those who were already there should “strengthen their security precautions and evacuate as soon as possible”.“Chinese embassies and consulates in Iran and neighbouring countries will provide necessary assistance to Chinese citizens for relocation via commercial flights or land routes,” it said in a social media post.Escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran and the build-up of US military forces in the region have prompted several countries – including Australia, India, South Korea and Sweden – to issue similar travel or evacuation warnings.Also on Friday, the Chinese Embassy in Israel urged its citizens to closely monitor security alerts issued by the Israeli government.It told them to strengthen emergency preparedness, familiarise themselves with nearby bomb shelters and evacuation routes, and avoid designated extreme high-risk areas, including the northern border and the region near Gaza.