Interview: Successful Yemen evacuation shows China's strength, internationalism

It reflects a significant growth in China's comprehensive national power to successfully evacuate hundreds of Chinese and foreigners from Yemen since last week, Tian Qi, Chinese ambassador to Yemen, said in an interview with Xinhua.

The evacuation mission also reaffirms the Chinese government's commitment to taking its people as the foremost, Tian said, adding that it also demonstrates the decisiveness and efficiency of the Chinese government.

Each and every one of the evacuated Chinese was safe and sound, Tian said.

Last week, China's Linyi and Weifang missile frigates evacuated 571 Chinese nationals from Yemen, and it was the first time that China has deployed warships for the evacuation of its citizens in a foreign country.

On Monday, warship Linyi again picked up 38 Chinese nationals and 45 Sri Lankans at Yemen's western port of al-Hodayda, and left for Djibouti.

Yemen, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have provided support for China's evacuation operations in Yemen, the ambassador said.

Preparation for the evacuation effort in Aden was extremely difficult due to the intensive exchange of fire between warring parties, Tian said.

The Chinese Embassy decided immediately after a brief ceasefire to begin the operation one day earlier on March 29, Tian said, adding that the original plan was to start the missions in Aden and al-Hodayda both on March 30.

The first group of 122 Chinese nationals were evacuated from the Yemeni city of Aden and arrived in Djibouti on night of March 29 onboard Linyi, which also took two foreign employees of Chinese enterprises.

On March 30, 449 Chinese citizens and six foreigners got on the Weifang missile frigate in al-Hodayda and left for Djibouti.

"We made a very detailed plan before the evacuation in al-Hodayda. And it only took about half an hour for over 400 people to embark on the warship, more than one hour earlier than the estimated time," Tian said.

In addition to helping its own citizens, the Chinese government also assisted other countries in evacuating their citizens stranded in Yemen.p The Linyi frigate returned to Aden port on April 2 at the request of 10 countries to evacuate 225 of their citizens.

"China helping other countries to evacuate their citizens demonstrates the spirit of internationalism and humanitarianism," Tian said.

Saudi-led coalition forces on March 26 launched air strikes in Yemen against the Shiite Houthi group and forces loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh. The air campaign has led to the suspension of all commercial flights at airports across the country. Only a few airports are open for charter planes.

The military operations have left at least 130 people killed and more than 500 others wounded nationwide, which forced other countries to evacuate their citizens from the Arab country. Endi