Chinese Navy Sets Sail for Historic Anti-Piracy Mission

The Chinese naval task force has set sail from a port in the southernmost island province of Hainan for Somalia. The ships will take part in an escort mission against piracy.

Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jieyi elaborated upon the significance of the military move.

"The escorting mission of Chinese navy has won wide applauds from the international community, especially African countries and people. China is supportive to the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and efforts of the global cooperation in combating piracy. And we are willing to keep contact and cooperation with other countries' naval force in this issue."

Earlier, the fleet commander, Rear-Admiral Du Jingcheng said all crew members of the fleet had full confidence in their ability to fulfill the mission.

According to the official, the primary mission of Chinese fleet is to secure vessels, personnel and cargos, but not to hit piracy off the Somalia coast directly.

"Our target is, on one hand, to protect the ships and personnel passing through the Gulf of Aden and waters off the coast of Somalia. On the other hand, we are in charge of safeguarding the vessels transporting humanitarian materials from international organizations. However, we will take relevant measures under the direct threat from pirates."

Du Jingcheng added the combined crew comes to about 800 and includes 70 soldiers form the Navy's special forces.

They'll be joining a multi-national fleet of warships already patrolling the waters off the Somali coast and the Gulf of Aden.

The first phase of the mission will last for three months and the Navy will send new ships to relieve the fleet at an appropriate time, depending on the situation and the UN Security Council.

It will also help ships carrying humanitarian relief for international organizations such as the UN World Food Program. The fleet will not charge escort service or protection fees to ships, whether foreign or domestic.

The fleet will be ready to receive protection appeals on Jan. 6.

Official data shows that nearly 1,300 Chinese commercial vessels have passed through the gulf so far this year and seven of them were attacked.