China has begun evacuating its citizens from Israel and Iran and was pushing for a ceasefire in the conflict between the two Middle Eastern foes on Tuesday as clashes carried into a fifth day. China's foreign ministry said embassies and consulates have been offering assistance to those seeking to evacuate since the outbreak of fighting,

China suggested the US use its influence with Israel to stop the conflict with Iran from spilling over, a sign Beijing is becoming increasingly concerned about the stability of a region it relies on for energy supplies.