The first batch of 18 Chinese nationals from Iran had crossed the Astara border and are traveling by bus to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, Bao Lijun, president of the Azerbaijani Overseas Chinese Association, told the Global Times at around 11 pm on Sunday. He added that in about four hours, another roughly 50 Chinese nationals in Iran would also evacuate overland to Baku.

The evacuation was organized by the Chinese Embassy in Azerbaijan and supported by the Azerbaijani Overseas Chinese Association, Bao noted.