Call made for China to battle pirates

[unhappycamper]

Call made for China to battle pirates
By Christopher Bodeen - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Dec 4, 2008 9:17:56 EST

BEIJING — A Chinese general has called for the country’s navy to join the fight against Somali pirates, saying the mission would boost China’s international stature and give its sailors valuable experience in fighting open ocean combat operations far from their home ports.

Chinese ships have been among those seized in a wave of pirate attacks this year, including the fishing vessel Tianyu No. 8, seized in mid-November.

International warships from NATO and countries including Russia patrol the Gulf of Aden and have created a security corridor in the area under a U.S.-led initiative, but attacks have not abated.

“Piracy doesn’t just interfere in our country’s navigational safety, it also impedes our development and interests,” Major General Jin Yinan told state radio.

“I think our navy should send ships to the Gulf of Aden to carry out anti-piracy duties,” Jin said, according to a transcript of the interview posted Thursday on the Web site of the official China News Service. The date of the interview was not given.


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/12/ap_china_piracy_120408/%2e

[NYVet]

1. The more the merrier in this fight.

Just ensure that the field of fire is clear of any friendly targets before engaging.