Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People's Republic of China (PRC), answers reporters' questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of October 26, 2023. (Photo/mod.gov.cn)
Question: US media reported that China had, in a rare case, deployed six naval vessels to the Middle East as the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated. What's your comment on this?
Wu Qian: In fact, the vessels belong to two PLA naval task groups on routine escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia. It has nothing to do with the regional situation. We urge relevant parties to respect the facts and stop groundless hyping.