PLA Navy Continues 15-Year Maritime Security Initiative
China will deploy its 48th naval task force to the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters in mid-October, reinforcing a 15-year mission to protect vital shipping lanes. The fleet includes the guided-missile destroyer Tangshan, frigate Daqing, and supply ship Taihu, according to Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Jiang Bin.
"These missions demonstrate China's commitment to building a maritime community with a shared future," Jiang stated at a Friday press conference. "We prioritize safeguarding international trade routes and regional stability through concrete actions."
Since December 2008, the PLA Navy has escorted over 7,000 vessels through these piracy-prone waters. The Gulf of Aden serves as a critical corridor for Asia-Europe trade, carrying an estimated $1 trillion in annual cargo.
Analysts note the deployment aligns with growing international demands for maritime security as global trade rebounds post-pandemic. The mission also provides operational experience for China's modernizing naval forces while contributing to UN-backed security initiatives.
