China’s anti-piracy role off Somalia. (BBC)
With the growing activity of piracy in Somalia a number of countries are aligning to fight off pirates off the coast of Somalia. China is the latest addition to the fight against piracy; China was initially interested in protecting only its vessels but will now join the naval forces of Nato, US and European Union. China’s addition will allow more ships to be diverted to the Somali basin to monitor activities there; the area is specifically dangerous for ships to travel on.
China will also be able to enjoy the rotating chairmanship of the naval task force which directs patrols. China interest in joining the naval force has been linked to the hijack of one of its vessels in October last year.