Tel Aviv: China’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has conducted several deployments near or into the Persian Gulf in recent months. According to Israeli sources, these deployments have been made to safeguard its oil import interests through the Strait of Hormuz. The deployment included advanced vessels like Type 055 destroyers, Type 052D destroyers, and intelligence ships such as Liaowang-1 and Type 815A spy ships.
In February 2026, China deployed warships to the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz for the Maritime Security Belt 2026 exercises with Russia and Iran, with reports of ships entering the Persian Gulf. This presence continued in March 2026 with focus in the Strait of Hormuz, with three Chinese ships transiting after coordination.
According to the sources, the current presence of Chines ship near Iran involves both military patrols and strategic commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. While China maintains a neutral stance, its vessels have participated in Maritime Security Belt exercises with Iran and Russia, maintaining, at times, tense, yet sometimes favoured, presence. The Chinese Navy regularly conducts drills with Iran and Russia in the Gulf of Oman, strengthening military cooperation. Chinese naval vessels have been observed in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, sometimes operating near areas where the US and Israel are active.
Despite Western sanctions, Chinese tankers and cargo ships continue to operate in the region, with China importing roughly 90% of Iran’s oil. Reports indicate that Chinese intelligence-gathering vessels have operated in the Gulf of Oman, monitoring US military activity in the region.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
