This news is significant, if you are sending a Type 052D to Iranian waters to exercise with the Iranian and Russian Navies there. It does not appear this exercise will use the Escort Task Force like the one in 2019. This means two Type 052D will be operating simultaneously in the Indian Ocean. Pic below looks like one of those typically shot by the JSMDF.
中国海军将派西宁舰-117导弹驱逐舰参加12月27至30日在阿曼湾地区举行的中俄伊海上联合演习。
Translated by Google
The Chinese Navy will send the Xining-117 guided missile destroyer to participate in the China-Russia-Iranian maritime joint exercise in the Gulf of Oman from December 27 to 30.
中国海军将派西宁舰-117导弹驱逐舰参加12月27至30日在阿曼湾地区举行的中俄伊海上联合演习。
Translated by Google
The Chinese Navy will send the Xining-117 guided missile destroyer to participate in the China-Russia-Iranian maritime joint exercise in the Gulf of Oman from December 27 to 30.