Chinese Navy Defends the Gulf of Aden (Photo : Getty Images)
The Chinese navy has gained the approval of netizens after a successful mission to rescue a foreign ship hijacked by pirates in the Gulf of Aden. Many have posted their comments on Sina Weibo, the Chinese version of Twitter.
“Well done Chinese navy! We should pay tribute to all navy men!” a user of Sina Weibo wrote.
On Sunday, a Tuvaluan ship hijacked by pirates in the Gulf of Aden was rescued by the convoy sent by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy.
“Headline News,” a Sina Weibo account, posted te news of the successful rescue mission. Within 24 hours, the post gained more than 1,000 comments and had over 4,000 likes.
“It shows that China's development adheres to the principle of mutual benefit and win-win result, and the rise of China can benefit the world,” a Weibo user commented.
Some users are concerned about the safety of the navy men.
“Please keep yourself safe, as your families are waiting for your return,” a user wrote.
In an official statement, the navy said that its 25th convoy fleet received a report on the hijacked ship OS35 on Saturday at around 5 p.m. The fleet was on an escort mission at the time. The fleet’s vessel Yulin was immediately sent to the area.
Early Sunday morning, the rescue mission began after reconnaissance and receiving contact with the ship’s crew.
Aboard the OS35 were 16 members from the special force of the navy. The group succeeded in rescuing all 19 ship crew. They also conducted an intensive search of the ship to eliminate possible security threats.
In 2008, the Chinese navy commenced an escort mission, aiming to protect passing ships from pirate attacks, defend the sea lane security and uphold the freedom of navigation through the waterways.
The transport of goods along the Gulf of Aden became more secure with China and around 20 international partners joint efforts.
The Global Times quoted Zhang Junshe, a senior research fellow at the Military and Academic Institute of the Chinese Navy, saying, “as China's military power grows, the ability to offer public security service for international society has also been enhanced.”
“A stronger Chinese army can better safeguard peace and stability of the world,” Zhang added.
More than 6,000 ships have been escorted by the Chinese navy fleets across this vital sea route. In addition, the fleets have been successful in rescuing or helping more than 60 Chinese and foreign ships.
