China will continue participating in escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia, in order to protect the international lane, a spokesperson said on Friday.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang confirmed that his country will continue taking part in the exercises, saying it had contributed to international and regional peace and security.
“China’s engagement in international cooperation against Somali pirates has won applause and contributed to international and regional peace and security,” Xinhua quotes Geng to say.
The spokesperson’s comments came as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised China in a report to the UN Security Council, saying that China’s escort missions played an important role in coping with the pirate threat.
Geng also took time to appreciate Guterres’ recognition of his country’s efforts.
“China appreciates the UN chief’s acknowledgement of China’s work and contribution,” he said.
Under the mandate of the UN Security Council, Chinese Navy began to carry out escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia in December 2008.
According to Geng, the Chinese navy by July 2017, had dispatched 26 task force groups, escorted 6,400 Chinese and foreign vessels, and warned away more than 3,000 suspected pirate ships.
