China sends another fleet for overseas missions

China has sent another fleet for overseas missions. Chinese naval forces will be on escort duties in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia. They will be stationed there over the next four months.

The 800 person strong escort team consists of naval ships, helicopters and navy personnel. This is the fifth batch of the Chinese naval fleet sent for overseas peace-keeping missions.

Zhang Wendan, commander of 5th Navy Fleets,said, "The overall situation in the Gulf of Aden is good but pirates are still attacking ships from time to time. We have conducted simulated training to fight them. After intense training, we have the capability to strike them when necessary."

Besides peacekeeping missions, the Chinese navy will also conduct other humanitarian rescue operations and exchanges with foreign navies.

The hectic schedule and heavy duties require the Chinese navy to be at their best physically.

The fleets have been loaded with essential supplies such as drinking water, ammunition and food, and also a special kind of energy booster.

Logistics member Zeng Yunhua said, "This is a special kind of juice. It incorporates 12 kinds of vegetables and five kinds of fruits. That will give our officers enough vitamins, minerals and fibre their bodies require.

Many say involvement in peace-keeping duties in the Gulf of Aden shows China's rising military power, and more importantly, commitment to international peace.