China has reportedly deployed six warships to the Middle East as the conflict between Israel and Hamas has heightened.
It was gathered the Chinese warships left Muscat for an unspecified location on Saturday after partaking in an exercise with the Omani navy.
The development comes after the United States (US) also deployed a powerful arsenal to the Middle East last week.
It was learned that the US sent two aircraft carriers – including the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower – to the eastern Mediterranean along with planes that could carry out airstrikes.
The US, according to reports, has dispatched more planes to US military bases in the region, including F-15 and F-16 fighter jet squadrons.
The increased military presence in the Middle East reflects concern in Washington that rising tensions in Israel could become an all-out war.
According to the Daily Express US, China’s 44th Naval Escort Task Force – from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theatre – has been involved in routine operations in the region and spent several days in Oman last week.
The reports noted that the task force includes the Zibo, a guided missile destroyer, the frigate Jingzhou, and the supply ship Qiandaohu – all of which will be stationed in the Middle East as Israel prepares for a ground invasion of Gaza.
Recall that Chinese leader Xi Jinping had last Thursday said only a two-state solution to establish an independent Palestine is the “fundamental way out” of the Israel-Hamas war.
According to China’s state broadcaster CCTV, Xi said: “The top priority now is a ceasefire as soon as possible, to avoid the conflict from expanding or even spiralling out of control and causing a serious humanitarian crisis.”
