China deploys six warships to the Middle East amid escalating Israel-Hamas conflict
China has deployed six warships to the Middle East as the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalates, according to reports.
The 44th Naval Escort Task Force, from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theatre, has been engaged in 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 on Saturday after participating in an exercise with the Omani navy.
READ ALSO: World leaders convene in Cairo to address Israel-Hamas conflict
This task force includes the Zibo, a guided missile destroyer, the frigate Jingzhou, and the supply ship Qiandaohu. All of these vessels will be stationed in the Middle East as Israel prepares 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 also engaged in cultural exchanges, including a friendly 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 involved in escort missions for shipping. However, their mission was recently handed over to the 45th task force from the PLA’s Northern Theatre command.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of a two-state solution for establishing an independent Palestine as the fundamental way to address the Israel-Hamas conflict.
According to China’s state broadcaster CCTV, Xi stated, “The top priority now is a ceasefire as soon as possible, to avoid the conflict from expanding or even spiraling out of control and causing a serious humanitarian crisis.”
China’s deployment of warships comes in the wake of the United States sending a substantial military presence to the Middle East earlier in the week.
The U.S. dispatched two aircraft carriers, including the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, to the eastern Mediterranean, along with aircraft capable of carrying out airstrikes.
Additional planes were deployed to U.S. military bases in the region, including F-15 and F-16 fighter jet squadrons.
The increased military presence in the Middle East reflects Washington’s concerns that rising tensions in Israel could potentially escalate into a full-scale conflict, with the potential for wider global implications.
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