Zhang Weiqiu, Chinese ambassador to Iraq, said in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV): "We're hoping for peace in the region, but at the same time are preparing for the worst.''

With the US and British military build-up in the Gulf, Chinese Embassy officials said they have made every possible effort to protect Chinese citizens, should war break out.

"To safeguard the personal safety and legal rights of Chinese citizens in times of crisis is an inescapable responsibility of our embassy,'' said Zhang.

To maintain contact with its citizens and those businesses in Iraq, the Chinese Embassy in Baghdad established a registration system which has been running since September, enabling staff to remain in close contact with Chinese citizens.

A source from the embassy told China Daily that there were about 160 Chinese nationals in Iraq.

"But,'' he added, "most of them have left for home for the Spring Festival.''

In the light of the current situation the Chinese Embassy has already drawn up measures to deal with any emergencies that may arise, said Zhang.

The Chinese Embassy source said they have no specific plan for withdrawal from the country yet.

"Now the situation is still developing,'' an official from the embassy said.

Chief UN arms inspectors are still in talks with Iraqi officials in Baghdad in a bid to seek "proactive'' Iraqi cooperation with the inspectors.

Chief United Nations weapons inspector Hans Blix is due to submit a report on Baghdad's weapons declaration and its cooperation with arms inspectors to the UN on Friday.

The Chinese Embassy in neighboring Jordan has also established contingency plans as Jordan has served as a critical exit point for those in Iraq in times of war.

Chen Yonglong, the Chinese ambassador to Jordan, said in a recent interview with CCTV: "Jordan is the backyard of the Iraq crisis. In case of war, the embassy will provide every possible means of assistance to Chinese crossing over to Jordan.''

Many foreign embassies in Baghdad are intensifying preparations to deal with any eventualities.

The United States has asked diplomats and their families at several embassies in the region to leave.

Japan has called on its nationals living in Iraq to leave the country by Wednesday because of a possible US-led attack there, Kyodo news agency reported last Friday.

(China Daily February 10, 2003)