Chinese Embassy in Lebanon suspends consular services

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Chinese Embassy in Lebanon Wednesday suspended consular services, including issuing visas, amid Israel's ongoing bombardment.

The embassy in Beirut said it suspended the acceptance of passports, visas, notarization, consular authentication, marriage registration, consular certification, and other services.

However, it added that Chinese citizens in Lebanon will continue to receive travel documents.

The embassy said visa applications from Lebanese nationals can approach Chinese diplomatic missions in Egypt and Jordan.

At least 2,546 people have been killed and more than 11,860 injured in Israeli attacks since October last year, according to Lebanese health authorities.

Israel expanded the conflict on Oct. 1 this year by launching a ground assault into southern Lebanon.

Early this month, China had evacuated its citizens from Lebanon which is facing mass air strikes by Israel.

China has also pushed back against “condoning” any “military adventurism” in Lebanon and Gaza, warning it could cause “serious consequences.”

It also condemned the recent attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon and said it will enhance the security of its troops as part of the mission.