"There is an image of a great power that doesn't take any risks, " said el-Baz, adding Egypt itself was under tremendous pressure because of what he called U.S. trepidation to get heavily involved in the conflict.

CNN: El-Baz

China's self-image as a responsible great power was also on show, however, with a large new hospital ship, useful for humanitarian missions.

ECONOMIST: China flaunts its naval muscle