China is preparing to celebrate the 15th anniversary of its overseas naval escort missions on Tuesday, marking a significant contribution to global peace and stability amid the nation’s transition in naval strategy from near seas defense to far seas protection, according to experts.
In accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy initiated its first task force for escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia on December 26, 2008.
Since then, the PLA Navy has conducted around 150 vessel sorties, deploying over 35,000 officials and soldiers across 45 escort task forces. They have completed 1,600 escort runs, safeguarding more than 7,200 ships, with over 50 percent of them hailing from foreign countries, in waters previously plagued by piracy, as reported by authorities.
The primary objective of China’s naval escort missions is to ensure the safety of passing ships and personnel in the Gulf of Aden, a crucial sea lane facilitating global trade. This waterway witnesses tens of thousands of ships from over a hundred countries annually, navigating between Europe, the Pacific Ocean, and the Indian Ocean.
Zhang Junshe, a Chinese naval expert, emphasized that China’s deployment of warships in this piracy-prone region not only protects its national strategic interests but also fulfills international responsibilities by contributing public security goods to the global community.
Although pirate attacks in the Gulf of Aden have significantly decreased over the 15 years, observers note that threats persist, requiring ongoing naval escorts that must adapt and expand to address new challenges. The PLA Navy’s escort route spans from China’s coastal regions, through the South China Sea into the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, ultimately reaching the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia. This route aligns with China’s maritime trade and energy lifeline, particularly with the Belt and Road Initiative, necessitating the protection of Chinese overseas interests along the route, including personnel, investments, and cooperation projects.
The PLA Navy’s escort missions have also demonstrated flexibility and adaptability, as evidenced by their involvement in evacuating nationals during escort missions in Libya (2011), Yemen (2015), and Sudan (2023). Notably, these evacuation operations extended beyond Chinese nationals to include foreign personnel.
Over the 15 years, the PLA Navy has developed far seas capabilities, evolving from the Type 052B destroyer Wuhan to the more modern and powerful Type 052D destroyers, Type 054A frigates, and Type 903/A comprehensive replenishment ships seen in recent task forces. Additionally, the establishment of the PLA Support Base in Djibouti in 2017 has enhanced logistical support for escort task forces, enabling port replenishments.
Experts view the naval escort missions as integral to implementing China’s strategic shift from near seas defense to far seas protection. The missions reflect China’s efforts to build blue-water capabilities, aligning with its growing international responsibilities and obligations amid comprehensive national development.
The Chinese military expert emphasized that the PLA Navy will continue its escort missions to contribute to global peace, stability, and the establishment of a community with a shared future for mankind and a maritime community with a shared future.