Saturday 27 December 2008
Six Centuries Later, China’s Navy Again Shows Up off Somalia’s Seashore
600 years ago, Zheng He, the great navigator of the Ming Dynasty, led an enormous fleet across the Western (Indian) Ocean, and reached the east coast of Africa, touching land at what is now Somali. Now, 600 years later, the Chinese Navy ships will once again leave for the Gulf of Aden. This time, though, they will not be bearing gifts, but arms, as they will enter Somalia waters to combat the recent rampant piracy that is endangering all sea-going traffic in that vital area.
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Six Centuries Later, China’s Navy Again Shows Up off Somalia’s Seashore
CSC staff, Shanghai
25 December 2008
600 years ago, Zheng He, the great navigator of the Ming Dynasty, led an enormous fleet across the Western (Indian) Ocean, and reached the east coast of Africa, touching land at what is now Somali. Now, 600 years later, the Chinese Navy ships will once again leave for the Gulf of Aden. This time, though, they will not be bearing gifts, but arms, as they will enter Somalia waters to combat the recent rampant piracy that is endangering all sea-going traffic in that vital area.
The main reason for sending naval vessels overseas, says Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao, is to escort and protect the security of Chinese ships and sailors and the safety of ships of international organizations delivering humanitarian supplies. If necessary the Chinese navy will also take part in humanitarian and rescue operations.
The Gulf of Aden has long been one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, with nearly 20,000 vessels from about 100 countries and regions passing through annually, carrying 14% of the world’s seaborne trade and 30% its oil. Merchant and passenger ships passing this area have become coveted targets of pirates sailing out of lawless and failed Somalia. From January to November this year, more than 1000 Chinese vessels have passed through the route, with an average of between 3 and 4 trips per day, and up to 20% have suffered pirate attacks.
A few days ago, the Zhenhua 4, of the China Communications Construction Group Corporation, with Saint Vincent registry and a crew of 30 Chinese aboard, was attacked by pirates in the Gulf of Aden. While resistance from the crew and the help of rescue forces repelled them and the attack failed, the incident once again highlighted the huge threat to the international shipping and trade brought about by the unchecked piracy.
The opportunity for such pirates to ply their trade is due to the off-and-on warring and lack of any solid government in Somalia since 1991. The Gulf has been listed as the one of the world’s most dangerous waters by the International Maritime Bureau. At present, many countries including the United States and Russia have dispatched naval forces escorting merchant ships. China’s moves are following their steps.
From a legal perspective, China’s dispatch of naval vessels to the Gulf of Aden to conduct escort missions is based on relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council. At present, the Security Council has passed a number of resolutions authorizing states to take actions to combat piracy in Somali territorial waters under the “Charter of the United Nations.” At the same time, the Somali Transitional Federal Government has also called on countries to enter its territorial waters to combat piracy.
There are those who worry about the so-called “overseas strategy” of the Chinese Navy’s upcoming mission. It has been said that China is attempting to expand its space, and there are those who fear the rise of Chinese naval forces.
The deployment of the Chinese Navy to the Gulf of Aden has sufficient legal basis from both international law and domestic law. China’s will be not only protecting its own merchant ships but also shouldering international obligations. The mainstream international community has expressed welcome. In an era of economic globalization, China must take its place in the protection of global trade, and the Chinese Navy must be ready to contribute its own strength for the safety of the global trade routes when it shares so much in the benefits of global economic growth.
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