China, Russia and Iran hold 5-day military exercise near Gulf of Oman as Red Sea attacks rise
- Maritime Security Belt – 2024 is second time China has conducted joint drills in Indian Ocean following Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel and start of Gaza war
- China has not officially condemned Houthi attacks but has reportedly urged Tehran to rein in attacks on ships in the Red Sea
The ministry said the navies of China, Iran and Russia would hold the “Maritime Security Belt – 2024” joint exercise from March 11 to 15 in the waters near the Gulf of Oman in the Indian Ocean.
It said China sent the 45th escort task force – consisting of the guided-missile destroyer Urumqi, the guided-missile frigate Linyi and the comprehensive supply ship Dongpinghu – to the exercise, “aiming to jointly maintain regional maritime security”.
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The 45th naval escort task force has been stationed in the Gulf of Aden in the Indian Ocean since October. It completed escort tasks for 72 Chinese and foreign vessels in 43 batches and provided security for 14 transiting merchant ships before transferring its role to the 46th naval escort task force last week.
It is the second time China has conducted joint drills in the Indian Ocean since the outbreak of war in Gaza after Hamas militants’ surprise attack on Israel on October 7.