47th Chinese naval escort task force departs for Gulf of Aden

The 47th Chinese naval escort task force set sail from Zhoushan City in east China's Zhejiang Province on December 15. It is heading for the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters to replace the 46th escort task force. The fleet comprises the guided-missile destroyer Baotou, the guided-missile frigate Honghe and the comprehensive supply ship Gaoyouhu from the Eastern Theater Command. The task force is also equipped with two onboard helicopters and includes over 700 personnel. The team will conduct targeted training exercises, including night-time helicopter landings, joint search and rescue operations, armed rescue of hijacked merchant vessels, counter-terrorism, anti-piracy drills and inspections of suspected vessels.