China Holds Joint Naval Drills With Iran, Russia In Gulf Of Oman

Naval forces from China, Iran and Russia are staging joint drills in the Gulf of Oman this week.

The Chinese Ministry of National Defence said in a statement on Wednesday; “This exercise will help deepen practical cooperation between the participating countries’ navies and inject positive energy into regional peace and stability."

It added that other countries were also taking part in the “Security Bond-2023” exercises.

The exercises come amid heightened tensions between the US and China over a range of issues.

This includes China’s refusal to criticise Russia over its invasion of Ukraine and continuing support for the Russian economy.

The US and its allies have condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, imposed sanctions on Russia and supplied Ukraine with defensive arms.

The three countries held similar drills last year and in 2019, underscoring China’s growing military and political links with nations that have been largely shunned by the US and its partners.