中国将继续护航任务抵御海盗威胁
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy will continue escort missions, a long-term task, Yang Yujun, spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense (MOD) said at a press briefing Thursday.
国防部发言人杨宇军周四在一场新闻发布会上表示，中国人民解放军海军将继续执行护航任务——这是一项长期任务。
China will continue to play its role in maintaining regional stability and safeguarding vital marine routes, Yang said when responding to reporters' questions on the resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia this year.
On April 15, Frigate Hengyang of China's 25th convoy fleet rescued a Panamanian ship from suspected pirates in the Gulf of Aden.
The Chinese navy also freed a Tuvalu-registered vessel that had been hijacked by pirates in the Gulf of Aden on April 9.
Since December 2008, Chinese fleets have escorted more than 6,000 ships through the area and have rescued or assisted more than 60 ships.
Also at the press briefing, Yang Yujun pointed out the progress and improvements China's second aircraft carrier has made.
The aircraft carrier was launched Wednesday.
"Its design and construction drew on the experience of the Liaoning, and have improved on many aspects," said Yang, referring to the country's first aircraft carrier, which was rebuilt from the Soviet Union ship Varyag and completed in 2011.