16.11.2009
China intends to strengthen its naval presence at the Horn of Africa and become one of leading countries in anti-piracy, said Friday high-ranking officers of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). That was said by Reuters.
"Hopefully, China will undertake a role of primary coordinator in safety corridor in April-May 2010", said commodore Tim Lou, Joint Navy Deputy Commander at anti-piracy forum in Hong Kong. Safety corridor constitutes a 5-mile width ocean stripe secured by international force.
According to Snr Capt Hu Genfen, Deputy Head of Chinese Navy's Operational and Planning Dept, China should more actively contribute to international anti-piracy endeavor.
"We ought to fulfill our obligations to international community and act like responsible member of it", said Hu.
That Chinese initiative assumes that covert Chinese ships will no longer operate independently in the Gulf of Aden but start active cooperation with other naval forces. It is also obvious that ambitions of Chinese Navy go beyond territorial borders of the country now.
Dozens of Chinese vessels are cruising near Horn of Africa and their quantity is on the rise.
"Being a huge and powerful country, China has to protect its ships. We are definitely capable to do that but if we can improve international cooperation as well, this will strengthen peace and security in the region. Chinese Navy does need such international experience", said Lian Wei, deputy operational commander of China's South Fleet.
According to Hu, four Chinese warships have been patrolling the Gulf of Aden since Dec 2008. They have escorted over 1,100 vessels.
Only 30 ships from 18 countries are currently patrolling the region near Horn of Africa, although Somali pirates attempt to capture vessels far from Somali coast – the latest try was recorded 1,600 km off the country. In the context of expansion of pirates' activity zone the Chinese initiative is important and required, said Lou.
Source: RusNavy.com
