The first batch of 122 Chinese nationals were evacuated from the Gulf of Aden in Yemen, by the Chinese Navy.[Photo by Xiong Libing/Asianewsphoto]

Hua Chunying noted that since March 26, the security situation in Yemen has ""deteriorated gravely" and the Chinese government "places great priority on the safety of Chinese citizens and organizations based in Yemen and an orderly evacuation was started immediately".

On the Chinese citizens remaining in Yemen, the spokeswoman said Chinese Ambassador to Yemen Tian Qi and necessary embassy and consulate staff in the country "have dedicated themselves to stick to their duties and remained in close contact with the relevant parties".

The diplomatic staff there is "sparing no effort in arranging the early and orderly evacuation of the rest of our citizens", which is estimated to be around 400 people, Hua said.

China would also like to "extend sincere appreciation to the remarkable assistance offered by relevant parties in Yemen and Djibouti", the spokeswoman added.

On Sunday night, a Pakistani plane moved 503 of its nationals out of Yemen, Xinhua news agency reported.