China’s government deployed the 37th fleet of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy to Somalia to provide private ships with adequate security.
The 37th fleet departed from Sanya Port in Hainan Province, south China on January 16.
According to multiple sources, the fleet is to be stationed on the waters surrounding Somalia and the Gulf of Aden.
The fleet comprises Changsha, Yulin, and Honghu.
Changsha is a guided-missile destroyer while Yulin is a missile frigate. Honghu’s specialization is as a supply ship.
Over 700 Chinese officers and soldiers are onboard the ships.
China has also deployed special operation officers in the ships.
Changsha joins the escort mission services for the first time.