In response to escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas, China has dispatched a flotilla of six warships to the Middle East, according to reports. This naval force, known as the 44th Naval Escort Task Force and hailing from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theatre, has been conducting routine operations in the region and recently spent several days in Oman, as reported by Daily Express US.
The Chinese warships departed from Muscat for an undisclosed location after participating in joint exercises with the Omani navy. The task force consists of several vessels, including the guided missile destroyer Zibo, the frigate Jingzhou, and the supply ship Qiandaohu, all of which are stationed in the Middle East. This deployment coincides with Israel’s preparations for a potential ground invasion of Gaza.
During their visit to Oman, Chinese commanders held meetings with Omani military officials and visited military institutions. Sailors from both countries engaged in various activities, including organizing a basketball game, as reported by a state news agency.
The PLA task force has been stationed in the Gulf of Aden north of Somalia for the past six months, primarily engaged in escort missions for shipping. However, earlier this month, it handed over its mission to the 45th task force from the PLA’s Northern Theatre command.
Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that a two-state solution, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestine, is the “fundamental way out” of the Israel-Hamas conflict. According to China’s state broadcaster CCTV, President Xi emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire to prevent the conflict from escalating or spiraling out of control and causing a severe humanitarian crisis.
China’s deployment of warships to the Middle East follows the United States’ recent move to increase its military presence in the region. The U.S. sent two aircraft carriers, the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, to the eastern Mediterranean, along with aircraft capable of conducting airstrikes. Additionally, F-15 and F-16 fighter jet squadrons have been dispatched to U.S. military bases in the region. These actions by both China and the U.S. reflect growing concerns in the international community that the escalating tensions in Israel could potentially lead to a full-scale conflict.
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