China issues Lebanon travel warning as Israel tensions spark ‘grave’ security alert

Chinese embassy urges nationals in Lebanon to be better prepared for emergencies but stops short of ordering evacuation, unlike US or UK

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Demonstrators at a rally in Sidon, Lebanon, on Monday condemn the killing of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh. Iran blames Israel for the assassination in Tehran last week and has vowed revenge. Photo: Reuters

Published: 4:00pm, 6 Aug 2024Updated: 5:55pm, 6 Aug 2024

China issued a travel warning for Lebanon on Monday as heightened tensions with Israel sparked fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.

The Chinese embassy in Lebanon asked nationals to be cautious about travelling to the country, calling the security situation there “grave and complex” following conflicts on the border with Israel and deadly Israeli air strikes last week on Lebanese capital Beirut targeting Hezbollah.

In a notice published on Monday night, the embassy also told its citizens and institutions in Lebanon to “stay on high alert and strengthen security precautions and preparations for emergencies”.

Those still going to Lebanon despite the warning “may face higher security risk and the efficiency of the assistance they receive may be affected”, it warned.

Several countries including the United States, Britain, France, Italy, Turkey and Jordan have already issued similar warnings, after Iran vowed revenge on Israel following the assassination in Tehran on Wednesday of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Palestinian militant group Hamas.

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