World
Palestine-Israel conflict: China deploys six warships in Middle East
A Chinese naval task force has set sail for an undisclosed destination following joint military exercises with Oman's navy: Chinese newspaper.
Beijing: As the tension in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict increases, China's Ministry of Defense has taken a significant step by deploying six warships to the Middle East.
This decision follows a period of joint exercises with Oman's navy, and the exact destination of this task force remains undisclosed.
The move by China has garnered international attention due to the escalating regional unrest.
Among the deployed warships are the Type 052D guided missile destroyer Zebo, frigate Jingzhou, and supply ship Chindahu, indicating a substantial show of maritime force in the region.
The command of these vessels was transferred to the 45th Escort Task Force at the beginning of the month.
The Chinese military's Northern Theater Command oversees the Type 052 destroyer Urumqi, the frigate Linyi, and the supply ship Dong Ping Ho, reinforcing China's maritime presence in the Middle East.
This deployment is considered highly unusual by British media, signifying China's growing involvement and interest in the stability of the region.
It comes in the wake of the Chinese president's declaration that an independent Palestinian state is the only viable solution to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The president emphasized the urgent need to prevent the situation from spiraling further out of control, thereby avoiding a catastrophic human tragedy.
China's proactive involvement in the Middle East is part of a broader global context, where major powers are increasing their presence and support for various stakeholders in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Last week, the United States deployed its warship USS Gerald R. Ford and an associated battle group in the Middle East to assist Israel.
The U.S. presence in the region has grown significantly, with 2,000 military personnel and 2,400 Navy personnel stationed to deter potential involvement by other groups, including Iran.
Furthermore, the Pentagon has plans to augment its air force presence in the Middle East in defense of Israel, while the United States has committed to sending another aircraft carrier to bolster Israel's security.