Over 200 Chinese nationals evacuated from Lebanon

The Chinese government has evacuated over 200 Chinese nationals from Lebanon amid escalating tensions between Lebanon and Israel.

The first group of 80 evacuees, comprising 69 Chinese nationals and their non-Chinese family members, departed by ship. The vessel arrived at Limassol Port in Cyprus on Tuesday morning, local time. The second group, which consisted of 146 Chinese nationals and five foreigners, returned to Beijing on a chartered plane on Wednesday. 

The Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music, funded by the Chinese government near Lebanon's capital, Beirut, served as the temporary gathering point for the evacuees. According to preliminary estimates, there are over 200 Chinese nationals in Lebanon, of whom more than 150 are involved in the music academy project.

Chen Wenfang, who has lived in Lebanon for a decade, was among those evacuated by ship with her daughter.

"We are all very grateful to the Chinese government for organizing this evacuation," she told Xinhua. "Everyone understands that this was an emergency measure, especially with the fierce fighting last night. It's a relief to be safely evacuated."

Chen recounted receiving an evacuation notice from the Chinese Embassy in Lebanon on September 29. The following day, she and others gathered at the rendezvous point and later boarded the ship at the Port of Beirut.

Chen has since safely arrived in Cyprus. She shared that the crew on the ship had given their rooms to the families with children, allowing them to rest. After reaching Cyprus, the evacuees are free to travel onward to other destinations.

Zhao Ying, who has lived in Lebanon for 20 years, praised the swift and well-organized evacuation. She noted that some Chinese nationals have opted to stay in Lebanon, as many of them have settled with families there. Those who stayed behind have stocked up on essential supplies, Zhao said.