China's Defense Ministry announced that naval forces from China, Iran, and Russia are participating in the "Security Bond-2023" joint exercises in the Gulf of Oman.
Other countries are also taking part but have not been identified.
The Chinese Ministry highlighted that the drills would help deepen practical cooperation between the participating countries' navies and inject positive energy into the regional peace and stability.
Notably, the drills are being held amid heightened tensions between China and the US, given multiple disagreements between the two superpowers.
Naval forces from China, Iran, and Russia are currently participating in the "Security Bond-2023" joint exercises in the Gulf of Oman.
The drills have been primarily focused on non-combat missions and search and rescue at sea.
According to China's Ministry of National Defence, these drills are meant to enhance the participating countries' navies' practical cooperation and promote positive energy for regional peace and stability.
The US has not shown concern over the exercises, with a spokesperson from the National Security Council emphasizing that these drills do not pose a direct military threat.
Countries such as Pakistan, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates are also participating, with the Chinese dispatching Nanning, a guided-missile destroyer to participate in the drills.
While the Chinese Ministry has characterized the drills as positive cooperation, news sources like The Times of Israel and AP News observe the exercise's significance amid heightened tensions between China and the US.