BEIJING, (HAN) — The Chinese government has announced that a new fleet from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) has departed for the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia to conduct an escort mission aimed at safeguarding commercial vessels and key international sea lanes.
The warships, which set sail on Saturday from a naval port in eastern China, include the guided-missile destroyer Tangshan, the frigate Daqing, and the supply ship Taihu, according to Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin.
Jiang stated that this is the 48th escort task group China has deployed to Somali waters and the Gulf of Aden since the mission began in 2008, with the goal of countering piracy and maintaining maritime security in one of the world’s most vital shipping routes.
“These missions clearly demonstrate China’s commitment to building a maritime community with a shared future and to safeguarding regional peace and stability,” Jiang said.
The Gulf of Aden is one of the world’s most strategic waterways, linking the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, through which a significant portion of global trade and oil shipments pass.
Somalia, located along this key maritime corridor, stands to benefit in several ways from China’s naval presence:
- The PLA Navy’s deployment reduces the threat of piracy and maritime crime still affecting commercial ships along the Somali coast.
- The mission strengthens diplomatic and security ties between China and Somalia, highlighting Beijing’s growing role in regional stability.
- Enhanced maritime security could encourage trade, fishing, and investment in Somali ports—potentially boosting the nation’s economy.
The latest mission is expected to commence operations in mid-October, reaffirming China’s expanding role in promoting maritime safety in East Africa and the Gulf of Aden.
