China, the world’s third-most powerful military, has deployed its 49th naval escort fleet to waters around Somalia with three warships, two helicopters and more than 700 personnel, as African states move to establish a new regional task force to counter a resurgence of piracy in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden.
The parallel developments are unfolding around a strategic maritime gateway connecting the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea and Suez Canal, placing renewed focus on the security of a route critical to global shipping.
China's 49th escort fleet departed Sanya on August 12, comprising the guided-missile destroyer Kunming, guided-missile frigate Yueyang and comprehensive supply ship Luomahu.
It also carries two shipborne helicopters and dozens of special operations personnel.
The fleet is taking over from China's previous escort task force, continuing Beijing's regular naval presence in the region.
