China to send new naval escort fleet to Gulf of Aden, Somali waters

China will send a new naval escort fleet to the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia in mid-August to carry out an escort mission, the country's Ministry of National Defense announced on Tuesday.

The deployment marks the 49th Chinese naval escort fleet to operate in the region, planned to take over duties from the 48th fleet, which set sail in October last year, the ministry said in a statement.

The latest fleet consists of the guided-missile destroyer Kunming, the guided-missile frigate Yueyang and the comprehensive supply ship Luomahu, according to the statement.

The ministry statement said the Chinese navy is committed to building and supporting a maritime community with a shared future and contributing to the security of global sea lanes as well as regional peace and stability.

In line with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, China has maintained a regular naval escort presence in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters since 2008 to safeguard the security of international shipping routes, escorting over 7,000 Chinese and foreign vessels, and rescuing, protecting or assisting ships in distress.

The ships have also participated in evacuations of Chinese citizens and foreign nationals from war-torn countries.