In a move underscoring its commitment to global maritime security, the Chinese mainland will dispatch its 48th escort task group to the Gulf of Aden and adjacent waters off Somalia in mid-October, according to a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense.
The fleet will include the guided-missile destroyer Tangshan, the guided-missile frigate Daqing and the comprehensive supply ship Taihu, spokesperson Jiang Bin told reporters.
Spokesperson Jiang said, "These escort task groups take concrete actions to build a maritime community with a shared future and safeguard international sea lanes and regional peace and stability."
The Chinese mainland’s PLA Navy began conducting escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and off Somalia in December 2008, marking over a decade of ongoing anti-piracy operations in these crucial sea lanes.
Reference(s):
China to send new navy fleet for escort missions in Gulf of Aden
cgtn.com
