Chinese evacuated from Central African Republic

The embassy of China to the Central African Republic (CAR) has initiated evacuation orders for Chinese nationals as the military conflict there heads into its third week with no sign of cease-fire.

The armed coalition group has justified its actions call them a "thirst for justice, for peace, for security and for economic development of the people of CAR," The Guardian newspaper reported Friday. The major cities and towns in the north and central part of the country have been occupied by the rebels, the Chinese embassy to CAR said Sunday.

The Chinese embassy said Saturday that more than 200 Chinese nationals have been safely evacuated out of CAR's capital Bangui and it will ensure the safety of those who remain in the country.

Liu Baoyi, an embassy counselor, told the Global Times Sunday that there had been more than 300 Chinese nationals in the country and fewer than a hundred remain. "The evacuation work started on December 26, and so far it is going smoothly," he said, adding that some of the Chinese left on a chartered airplane and some via commercial flights. Most are staff of foreign-aid corporations, Chinese-funded companies and other individuals, Liu said.

Miao Changying, an embassy attaché, told the Global Times that before the conflict began, the embassy maintained close contact with the Chinese companies across the country. "Only about 20 Chinese live outside the capital and they have already been safely evacuated from the country," Miao said.

"About 40 people remain in Bangui, including 20 staff members of the Chinese embassy," Miao said.

"The embassy will ensure the safety and security of their life and property," Liu said, noting that all Chinese nationals will be evacuated out of the country by Tuesday. Liu said that depending on the severity of the situation, the staff of the embassy might also leave.

On Friday, the United Nations Security Council called for an end to hostilities after recent attacks on several towns. "The armed groups must immediately cease hostilities, withdraw from captured cities and cease any further advance toward the city of Bangui," the council stated.

The Chinese embassy to CAR also issued a travel advisory to nationals who had plans to visit the country, asking them to suspend their tour.