The US has struggled to sell the US-led fleet in the Persian Gulf to
anyone else, but may find itself with a surprise participant, as Chinese officials say they are “studying” the proposal. Interestingly, the US never suggested China was even invited.
Chinese Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Ni Jian says it is
possible that China might consider escorting Chinese commercial vessels
“if there happens to be a very unsafe situation.”
It’s not at all clear that China would consider the current situation
unsafe for Chinese ships, as they’re still trading with Iran, and one of
the last nations whose ships Iran would be liable to target.
Nations the US have invited have largely rejected the plan, saying they
don’t see a threat to their own ships and don’t want to be involved in
potential destabilization.
The advantage for the Chinese is they can spy on US ships in the Gulf and detect whenever the US does something illegal against Iran. Not to mention the general advantage of spying on US ships close up in the crowded Gulf. It’s what I would do. Smart move. Russia should follow suit.
The US would find it harder to start a war with Iran if both Chinese and Russian ships were cheek to jowl with US and British Navy ships. The US would be too worried about starting WWIII.