In a move to enhance regional maritime security, China, Russia, and Iran have announced joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman this week. The military exercises, scheduled from Monday to Friday, aim to strengthen cooperation in safeguarding the waters, according to a statement from China’s defense ministry shared on WeChat.
China’s participation includes the guided missile destroyer Urumqi, the guided missile frigate Linyi, and the comprehensive supply ship Dongpinghu. However, specific details about the drills were not disclosed in the statement.
Similar joint drills, named “Security Bond 2023,” took place in March last year involving the same three nations. This year’s exercises come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and increased attacks on ships in the Red Sea by Iran-backed banned forces in Yemen.
Russian state media reported that a fleet from Russia’s Pacific Fleet, led by the Varyag cruiser, arrived at the Iranian port of Chah Bahar on Monday in preparation for the joint manoeuvres. The practical phase of the exercises is set to occur in the Gulf of Oman in the Arabian Sea, with the primary focus on ensuring the safety of maritime economic activities, as stated by the Russian defence ministry.
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