China extends anti-piracy effort near Somalia

• Source: Global Times
• [08:11 January 04 2010]
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By Liu Dong

China's anti-piracy mission in the waters of the Gulf of Aden is related to the country's African strategy, a Chinese scholar told the Global Times Sunday.

"The diplomatic success in Africa will subsequently strengthen China's role in multilateral relations in the world arena," Xu Weizhong, deputy director at the Institute of West Asian and African Studies of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said.

"Given the potential penetration of major powers' influence in counter-piracy operations in Somalia, China's active engagement will guarantee the maintenance of the current diplomatic advantages in Africa," he added.

Xu's words came after China upgraded its anti-piracy mission in the gulf region.

According to a statement released on the website of China's Ministry of National Defense, China's naval escort route was further extended 50 nautical miles (92.6 kilometers) eastward starting from January 1.

"China's involvement in fighting piracy illustrates the nation's commitment to preserving international maritime security and world peace," Xu said. "Furthermore, participation in anti-piracy in Somali waters serves as a testing opportunity for China's naval forces and its capability to project long-range combat operations," Xu added.

The recent days' escalation of pirate acts alerted China's authorities to adopt measures to secure national and international interests.

The past week unfolded with four ship hijackings as pirates broke a two-month lull waiting for a ransom delivery to flex their muscles again.