China announced that it’s navy will stay in the Gulf of Aden to protect ships against Somali pirates. From AP:
China’s three-ship anti-piracy flotilla took up its duties off the Somali coast in January on a four-month mission and new ships will be sent to take over in late April or in early May, the China Daily newspaper quoted the navy deputy chief of staff, Rear Adm. Zhang Deshun, as saying.
Zhang termed the mission thus far an unqualified success and said China was prepared for a lengthy commitment. He said new ships and personnel were prepared to take over, but some staff from the original mission would stay on to ensure continuity.
“We feel this is not a short mission. The length of the mission depends on the Somali political situation and whether Somali pirates can be eventually kept away,” Zhang said.
