China's curious policy in the Middle East

Landing via Twitter, albeit a week late, a short report 'Chinese Warships Dock in Israel':

Quote:

---

Three Chinese warships from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) docked in Haifa Aug. 13 for a five-day visit here as guests of the Israel Navy. Led by Rear Adm. Yang Junfei, deputy commander of the PLAN’s North China Sea Fleet, the Chinese contingent will tour multiple sites throughout the country in honor of the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Jerusalem and Beijing.

---

Link:http://www.defensenews.com/article/2...ps-Dock-Israel

It is well known that China (PRC) and Israel have a close relationship in the defence and technology fields, but such an overt display seems to me rather unusual. Even more so now - what with the Syrian civil war and a strike on Iran. One wonders if the PRC'd diplomats in Tehran updated their hosts.

Quote:

---

China is the top oil investor in Iraq, and Islamic State leaders say they have Chinese recruits. But Beijing is reluctant to get involved due to limited military capability in the Middle East and mistrust of US intentions.

---

http://news.yahoo.com/why-china-stay...131949876.html

AdamG,

It is noteworthy that China has not yet taken 'active measures' abroad against its jihadist enemies, notably those it believes linked to the troubles in Xinjiang Province (a point covered in the thread on Xinjiang:http://council.smallwarsjournal.com/...read.php?t=246 ).

IIRC China swiftly evacuated its nationals from Libya, did they not from Iraq more recently? Perhaps target removal is their option and some diplomacy with the host nations. Although in South Sudan they have taken a more direct option, an infantry battallion with 'blue berets'. See:http://council.smallwarsjournal.com/...ad.php?t=21137