InfoAnda - Chinese navy off on historic anti-piracy mission

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Death toll in Haiti's floods, mudslides rises to 23 | | 9 June 2011
2010 -- the year tablet computers came of age | 13 December 2010
Half of French kids use mobiles in class: survey | 6 October 2009

Obama readies for G20 Summit, to push for responsibility fee for top financial players | 1 November 2011

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Chinese navy off on historic anti-piracy mission

Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Australia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam Search Search: Chinese navy off on historic anti-piracy mission AFP - 2 hours 21 minutes ago BEIJING (AFP) - - An anti-piracy task force of the Chinese navy set sail Friday for Africa, state media said, in the nation's first potential combat mission beyond its territorial waters in centuries. The three vessels, decorated with coloured ribbons, flags and flowers, weighed anchor at the Yalong Bay naval base on south China's tropical Hainan island at 1:50 pm (0550 GMT), heading for Somalia, the Xinhua news agency said. "It's the first time we go abroad to protect our strategic interests armed with military force," said Wu Shengli, commander of the Chinese Navy, in a ceremony to see off the approximately 1,000 sailors, according to Xinhua. "It's the first time for us to organise a naval force on an international humanitarian mission and the first time for our navy to protect important shipping lanes far from our shores." Dressed in white naval uniforms, the crew of the two destroyers and one supply ship saluted crowds on land amid waving flags and as a military marching band played. It marks a new chapter for the modern Chinese navy, which has focused on the defence of coastal waters, combined with the occasional friendly port call. Only in 2002 did it circumnavigate the globe for the first time. Indeed, a Chinese fleet has not fired a shot in anger near Africa since the 15th century, when a Ming Dynasty armada sailed to the continent and back. The navy has been drawn back to Africa by an escalation of pirate attacks on merchant ships, including Chinese vessels, plying the crucial shipping route linking Asia and Europe. The three vessels on the mission -- the missile-armed destroyers DDG-171 Haikou and DDG-169 Wuhan and the Weishanhu supply ship -- are among China's most sophisticated and have all entered service this decade, Xinhua said. They will operate alongside other international warships patrolling the area near the Gulf of Aden, part of the Suez Canal route. "Since this is the navy's first overseas mission, we could encounter unforeseen situations. But we are prepared for them," the commander of the force, Rear Admiral Du Jingcheng, told the China Daily earlier. "All crew members have full confidence in their ability to fulfil the escort mission. The fleet will mainly protect Chinese vessels, including those from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, but will also excort foreign ships passing through the area that request protection, Xinhua said. After three months, the ships will be replaced by another flotilla depending on UN Security Council decisions and the situation in the gulf at the time, it added. "Our pride is too strong," said 21-year-old Ding He, a sailor on board the Wuhan. "It washes away the pain and rigours of training." The mission includes a special forces detail that has spent the past days in intensive training in maritime tactics and diving, said one of their commanders, Lieutenant Commander Xie Zengling. "If the pirates make direct threats to the warships or the vessels we escort, the fleet will take counter-measures," he told Xinhua, bragging that one member of his unit "could handle several enemies with his bare hands". China has said its warships will investigate any suspected pirate vessels, and approach them and demand that they show their relevant documents and certificates. Two helicopters accompanying the flotilla will be used during such tasks, military officials said earlier. The UN Security Council last week gave nations a one-year mandate to act inside lawless Somalia to stop the rampant piracy. "It is a huge breakthrough in China's concepts about security," said Li Wei, director of the anti-terrorism research centre at the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, according to the China Daily. "(It) sends a strong political message to the international community that China with its improved economic and military strength is willing to play a larger role in maintaining world peace and security." Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article Average (0 votes) Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Related Articles: Asia Pacific Southeast Asia remembers tsunami on anniversaryAP - 1 hour 50 minutes ago Chinese navy off on historic anti-piracy missionAFP - 2 hours 21 minutes ago Uproar in Australia over plan to block Web sitesAP - Saturday, December 27 Singapore Flyer’s builder arrives as police probe breakdown incidentChannel NewsAsia - Saturday, December 27 Thai PM urges Thaksin not to incite unrestAFP - Saturday, December 27 Most Popular – Asia Pacific Viewed Actress Jennifer Aniston appears naked in GQ magazine US retail sales data deepens year-end gloom Australian 'mummy smuggler' arrested in Cairo Funeral of Guinea strongman as junta tightens grip Weather outside frightful for US, Canada travelers View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular

Other News on Saturday, 27 December 2008
Mexican beauty queen jailed in drug gang probe | International |
Spanish premier says no more dialogue with ETA
Wal-Mart to sell iPhone but not at big discount
"Johnny Cakes" From "The Sopranos" Dead In Suicide
Former MVP Sosa waiting for offers: report
Amazon bucks trend, posts record holiday sales
US retail sales data deepens year-end gloom
Imagine: Lennon in TV ad 28 years after his death | Technology |
India's Reliance starts world's biggest refinery hub
Southeast Asia remembers tsunami on anniversary
E-shopping site to open in China for Japan goods
Chinese navy off on historic anti-piracy mission
Amazon Reports "Best Ever" Holiday Sales For 2008
Uproar in Australia over plan to block Web sites
GMAC Receives Federal Reserve Approval To Become Bank
Increasing Coyote Population Worries Pet Owners In Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio
Retailers Slash Prices To Lure Last Minute Holiday Shoppers To Registers
25% Of Small Businesses Fear Ability To Survive; 45% Cite Slumping Sales, Not Lack Of Credit, As Problem
CA Santa Shooter At In-Laws Party Kills 8, Then Shoots Self At Brother's Home
Imagine: Lennon in TV ad 28 years after his death | Entertainment |
Amazon Reports "Best Ever" Holiday Season Sales
`Tis Oscar season: Nomination ballots in the mail
Author, publisher defend disputed Holocaust memoir
Dario Fo pays tribute to fellow playwright Harold Pinter
Writer recalls truth, fiction of `Usual Suspects'
Egypt's Coptic pope bans phone confessions
BC-Best-sellers-Books-WSJ
BC-Best-sellers-Books-USAToday
Canadian soldier killed by blast in Afghanistan | International |
Mexico suspends purchases from 30 U.S. meat plants | International |
Chile says Chaiten volcano still poses danger | International |
Stars of Hollywood, high-tech open wallets for Obama party
U.N.'s Ban sees Bhutto inquiry in near future | International |
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 558
Australia may take Guantanamo detainees: report
Digital TV converter coupons in short supply | Technology |
Tens of thousands mark Bhutto's death anniversary
Pakistan moves troops toward Indian border
US fund in talks to take over Waterford Wedgwood
Pakistan redeploying troops to Indian border
NZ airliner makes safe emergency landing
Two Beaten Arizona Boys Die, Attacker Faces Murder Charges
Wall Street Rises Despite Retail Sales
Valkyrie challenges fans to rethink Tom Cruise | Entertainment |
Adam Sandler answers kids at Bedtime | Entertainment |
Pakistanis mourn Bhutto a year after killing | International |
Gaza rocket kills 2 girls, Israel lifts blockade | International |
Mexican beauty queen jailed in drug gang probe | International |
Activists throw stink bombs at Japanese whaler | International |
Malaysia ready to help economy further: report | International |
China explosion, lift collapse kill at least 32 | International |
US offers Viagra to win over Afghan warlords: report
Cruise passenger reported overboard near Cancun
Sri Lanka troops expand defence lines: military
Hong Kong airport baggage handlers launch strike
Blast in central China leaves 15 dead; 9 injured
SKorea's economy may further slow down in 2009
Bangladesh's begums wrap up campaign for crucial polls
SKorea's economy may contract in first half of 2009: president
White House Calls For Calm As Pakistan Masses Troops In Indian Border
China adds 32 deaths to dismal work safety statistics
China's foreign debt soars: state media
CIA, Afghan Warlords Swap Viagra, Taliban Info
Coalition, Afghan forces kill 6 militants
Pickup Truck Crashes In Houston Highway, 4 Teens Dead
China to offer incentives to scrap old cars: state media
Activists attack Japanese whalers with stink bombs
Heavy Fog Shuts Down Chicago Airport
US urges India, Pakistan to ease tensions
Coast Guard Searching For Missing Cruise Ship Passenger
Elevator accident leaves 17 dead in central China
At least 17 dead in Chinese lift accident: state media
Vietnam mulls freeing 10,000 inmates for New Year
Greenland tries to save children from sexual, physical abuse
TV Lookout: highlights for Dec. 28-Jan. 3
'Marley' stirs it up with record $14.75 mil Xmas
Afghan Warlords Turn CIA Informants For Viagra
Mexican Judge Jails Beauty Queen Caught Inside Truck Filled With Guns, Cash
Israel attacks Gaza, more than 120 reported killed | International |
Massive Israeli air raids on Gaza kill at least 140: Hamas
Pakistan says ready to repel any aggression | International |
Israel launches air strikes on Gaza, 120 dead
UrbanBaby.com, a cautionary tale
Chinese firms to compensate tainted milk victims | International |
Car bomb in Baghdad kills 22, wounds 54
At least 120 killed in Israeli air strikes on Gaza: Hamas radio
Car bomb kills 22 and wounds 54 in Baghdad | International |
At least 40 dead in Israeli raids on Gaza: Hamas radio
Car bomb in Baghdad kills eight
Guinea coup leader gets Senegal's backing | International |
US military: At least 18 die in Baghdad car bomb
Zimbabwe challenges order on release of activists | International |
Israel launches massive air raid on Gaza
Indonesia runs tsunami practice drills | International |
Iraqi police hunt down Qaeda escapees
150,000 Pakistanis mark 1 year since Bhutto killed
Masses mourn Pakistan's Bhutto, one year on
Car production could fall 35 percent in Thailand
Hotel room rates in Singapore may weaken as travel slows
S.Korea's Lee says economy may shrink in H1 2009
Pakistan seeks to reduce tensions after troop move
Chinese dairies to compensate melamine victims
Web sites could get cinema-style ratings: U.K. minister | Technology |
Philippines: Tardy airport tower workers suspended
Chinese dairy firms agree to compensate melamine victims: report
Missing Australian feared victim of shark attack
18 nabbed for drink—driving
Amid tears, Chinese pandas take off for Taiwan
Seoul spy agency denies part in 'plot' to kill NKorea's Kim
Parents of slain rabbi light menorah in Mumbai
Suicide car bombing kills five in Afghanistan
Suicide bomber kills five in Afghanistan | International |
Chances of gas cut '50-50', Russia warns Ukraine
MP3 player guides rescuers to lost tourists | Technology |
Thousands turn up at "Little Nyonya" roadshow
Report: Australia may take Guantanamo inmates
5 killed in suicide attack on Afghan police
Bangladesh protests Indian oil survey
Crane operator killed by falling 40—foot container in Tuas
Seven Die In Philadelphia House Fire
Sri Lankan military: Army seizes rebel-held town
Woman Invents Missing Child To Lure Back Ex-Boyfriend
Free New Year’s Eve concert planned at Singapore Flyer
Florida Keys Man Found Dead Outside The Charred Remains Of Trailer
Wild Oats XI ploughs on in Sydney Hobart after hitting shark
Passengers Unhurt As Plane Skids Off Chicago Airport Runway
Obama 'Scores' One From Media, Saw Dolphin Show With Daughters Without Press Coverage
Update: Santa Killer Had Cash, Plane Ticket To Canada
President-Elect Obama, Family Affected By Power Outage On Vacation In Hawaii
Renters Can Find Out In Advance Of A Foreclosure And Eviction Notice If Landlord Is Paying Mortgage
Obama Spends Time With Daughters Without Prying Media
LA Community Shocked Over 'Killer Santa' Rampage; Man Planned To Flee To Canada Before Accidentally Burning Self
Suspected US missiles kill 8 in northwest Pakistan
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01