By John Ikani
China has deployed six naval vessels to the Middle East amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The 44th Naval Escort Task Force, part of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theatre, has been engaged in routine operations in the region and spent several days in Oman recently, as reported by Daily Express US.
The Chinese warships departed from Muscat for an undisclosed location after conducting joint exercises with the Omani navy.
The task force comprises the Zibo, a guided missile destroyer, the frigate Jingzhou, and the supply ship Qiandaohu, all 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 friendly activities, such as touring shops and organizing a basketball game, according to a state news agency.
Over the past six months, the PLA task force has been involved in escort missions for shipping in the Gulf of Aden north of Somalia.
However, earlier this month, they handed over their mission to the 45th task force from the PLA’s Northern Theatre command.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of a two-state solution to establish an independent Palestine as the “fundamental way out” of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
He called for an urgent ceasefire to prevent further escalation and avert a humanitarian crisis, as reported by China’s state broadcaster CCTV.
The deployment of Chinese warships to the Middle East follows a similar move by the United States.
Earlier this week, the US sent two aircraft carriers, the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, to the eastern Mediterranean, along with aircraft capable of carrying out airstrikes.
Additional fighter jet squadrons, including F-15 and F-16 planes, were dispatched to US military bases in the region.
The increased military presence underscores Washington’s concerns that rising tensions in Israel could lead to a full-scale conflict.
