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The drills come as President Trump boosts the US military presence in Saudi Arabia by sending extra troops, as global tensions rise. China’s defence ministry said on Thursday said it would take part in the joint operation and downplayed its significance. Beijing will dispatch a guided missile destroyer known as the Xining.

Iran threat: China and Russia to hold naval drills with Iran

Spokesman for China’s defence ministry Wu Qian described the movements as a “normal military exchange” between the three armed forces.

He stressed the manoeuvres was in keeping with international laws.

Mr Wu said: “It is not necessarily connected with the regional situation.”

Part of the operation will be held in the sensitive area of the Gulf of Oman, which is connected to the Strait of Hormuz.