Amidst the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, China has taken a significant step by deploying a flotilla of six warships to the Middle East.
According to reports, this deployment involves the 44th Naval Escort Task Force from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theatre.
These Chinese warships have been actively engaged in routine operations in the region and recently spent several days in Oman. This development was reported by the Daily Express US.
The Chinese naval task force, consisting of vessels such as the guided missile destroyer Zibo, the frigate Jingzhou, and the supply ship Qiandaohu, is now stationed in the Middle East. This move aligns with Israel’s preparations for a potential ground invasion of Gaza.
During their stay in Oman, Chinese commanders held meetings with Omani military officials and visited various military institutions. In a display of camaraderie, sailors from both countries also engaged in cultural exchange activities, including organizing a basketball game, as reported by a state news agency.
For the past six months, the PLA task force had been involved in escort missions for shipping in the Gulf of Aden, located north of Somalia. However, earlier this month, they handed over their mission to the 45th task force, which operates under the PLA’s Northern Theatre command.
In a noteworthy statement, Chinese leader Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of a two-state solution to establish an independent Palestine as the fundamental path toward resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict. China’s state broadcaster, CCTV, quoted Xi saying,
“The top priority now is a ceasefire as soon as possible, to prevent the conflict from expanding or spiraling out of control, which could result in a serious humanitarian crisis.”
China’s deployment of warships to the Middle East comes in the wake of the United States sending a formidable military presence to the region earlier in the week. This U.S. deployment included two aircraft carriers, namely the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, along with aircraft capable of conducting airstrikes.
Additionally, more aircraft, including F-15 and F-16 fighter jet squadrons, were dispatched to U.S. military bases in the area.
These actions by both China and the United States reflect growing concerns in Washington and around the world that the escalating tensions in Israel could potentially erupt into a full-scale war.
| Sahara Reporters
