China Says It May Join U.S. Persian Gulf Maritime Coalition

The US Navy's Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS Sterett, at left, sails with the Chinese Type 903 Fuchi class replenishment ship Chao Hu, the background, and the Type 054A Jiangkai II class frigate Yun Chang during a counter-piracy exercise in the Gulf of Aden in 2014.. USN

Warzone/The Drive: China Curiously Says It May Join U.S. Persian Gulf Maritime Coalition Despite Trade War

The U.S. wants to "internationalize" its new regional mission, but escalating tensions with Beijing could dampen prospects for China's involvement.

China has said that its navy could escort Chinese-flagged commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz, in response to growing security concerns in the wake of Iran's seizure of multiple foreign oil tankers in recent the past month. In addition, Chinese officials are considering joining a new U.S.-backed maritime security framework in the region, despite serious tensions between the two countries at present, including a massive trade war. This news comes as the U.S. government has reportedly sought to take a more secondary role in that operation, offering the United Kingdom a leading role, in a push to "internationalize" the effort and attract foreign partners.

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Update: China might escort ships in Gulf under U.S. proposal: envoy (Reuters)

WNU Editor: These Chinese warships will only escort Chinese-flagged commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz

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