Why does China have six-warships in region at a time Israel Gaza conflict escalates?

The 44th Naval Escort Task Force, stationed in the region since May, recently conducted a joint exercise with the Omani navy and embarked on a goodwill visit to Kuwait. This task force consists of a guided-missile destroyer, a frigate, and an integrated supply ship.

Amidst growing speculation surrounding China’s deployment of six warships to the Middle East, particularly during a period where concerns about the Israeli-Gaza conflict escalating into a wider regional war are on the rise, the Chinese Embassy’s spokesperson in Washington, Liu Pengyu, has called for an end to the unwarranted sensationalism regarding this military maneuver.

These six warships, one of which is a guided-missile destroyer, have been actively engaged in operations in the Middle East for the past week as part of a collaborative exercise with the Royal Navy of Oman.

Liu elaborated, stating, “The fleet of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy was dispatched for an escort mission and is currently conducting amicable visits to relevant countries.” He underscored the importance of all parties involved adhering to verifiable information and refraining from baseless sensationalism. (Middle East Monitor)