China seeks naval base in the Gulf
30 Dec 2009
Beijing: A Chinese navy admiral has floated the idea of setting up a permanent naval base in the Gulf of Aden, ostensibly to better support ships on an anti-piracy mission. According to the admiral, such a base would allow long-term participation in the international anti-piracy operations in the region.
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| Chinese Navy destroyer |
"We are not saying we need our navy everywhere in order to fulfil our international commitments," Yin said.
"We are saying to fulfil our international commitments we need to strengthen our supply capacity."
Adm Yin's proposals have been made soon after a Chinese cargo ship and its crew of 25 were rescued from Somali pirates on Monday, following the payment of a 3.5-million-dollar ransom to their kidnappers.
Since the end of last year China has dispatched four flotillas to the region.
