Beijing "is closely following the development of the situation in Syria and hopes that Syria returns to stability as soon as possible", the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"The Chinese government has actively assisted Chinese citizens who are willing to leave Syria in a safe and orderly way, and has maintained contact with... Chinese citizens who remain in Syria," the ministry said.

"We urge the relevant Syrian parties to take practical measures to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel in Syria," it added.

"At present, the Chinese embassy in Syria is still holding strong, and we will continue to provide full assistance to Chinese citizens in need."

While Russia and Iran have been Syria's closest backers in recent years, China's ties to the country have grown.

China is one of only a handful of countries outside the Middle East that Assad has visited since Syria's civil war began in 2011.

On that 2023 trip, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Assad announced a "strategic partnership" between their countries.

But with the rebel offensive sweeping through the country, the Chinese embassy in Damascus sent an urgent notice on Thursday advising its citizens to leave Syria "as soon as possible".