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Three Chinese navy ships leave for Somalia
GUANGZHOU, China (AP) - Chinese navy ships usually stick close to home guarding their own coasts. But on Friday, warships armed with special forces, missiles and helicopters will sail for anti-piracy duty off Somalia - the first time the communist nation has sent ships on a mission that could involve fighting so far beyond its territorial waters.The three vessels - two destroyers and a supply ship - may increase worries about growing Chinese military power. The mission will also challenge China's ability to cooperate with other naval forces patrolling the Gulf of Aden, one of the world's busiest sea lanes. The Chinese ships will sail from a base in Sanya on the southern island province of Hainan. China announced it was joining the anti-piracy mission Tuesday after the U.N. Security Council authorized nations to conduct land and air attacks on pirate bases. Deploying ships to the Gulf of Aden marks a significant step in the evolution of China's navy, according to a report by Stratfor, an Austin, Texas-based intelligence company. The mission will be complicated, offering vital on-the-job training in refueling, resupply and repairs far from home as well as patrolling for pirates, Stratfor said. "In the event of an accident or a run-in with pirates," Stratfor said, "would a Chinese vessel carry out repairs at sea, head to a nearby port, perhaps in Pakistan, or return to China?" Stratfor also noted the waters will be awash with naval ships from around the world, making it essential for China to maintain effective communication with the vessels. The Chinese "will very likely monitor the way NATO and especially U.S. warships communicate with each other and with their shipborne helicopters," the report said. Posted by: Steve White 2008-12-26 |
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