Chinese vessels ready for Somalia mission

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-24-2008 09:04

China says the navy task force being sent to the seas off Somalia to fight piracy is confident and capable. The Defense ministry also says special troops will be onboard the warships.

China says the navy task force being sent to the seas off  Somalia to fight piracy is confident and capable.

Two destroyers and a supply ship will sail from Sanya in southern province of Hainan on Friday to join the international warships fighting piracy in the Gulf of Aden.

Xiao Xinnian, deputy chief of Naval Forces, PLA, said, "In addition to missiles, artillery, and satellite communication facilities, special troops who are trained for the task will also be on the warships."

China is prepared to cooperate with other countries to fight pirates operating out of Somalia.

Huang Xueping, spokesman of Chinese Ministry of Defense, said, " China is ready to exchange information and cooperate with the warships of other countries in performing humanitarian rescue tasks."

The warships' main duty will be to escort Chinese merchant vessels as well as ships carrying humanitarian relief material for international organizations.

Meanwhile, negotiations on providing protection for ships from Taiwan are underway. If they encounter pirates, all Chinese vessels can seek the help of China's warships.