Chinese naval fleet embarks on latest escort mission in Gulf of Aden, Somali waters

The 49th escort fleet of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy departed on Wednesday morning from a military port in Sanya, in south China’s Hainan Province, bound for the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia to carry out escort missions in the region. The fleet’s ships sailed from the dock at around 10:30.

Drawn mainly from the Southern Theater Command, the task force carries dozens of special operations personnel and two helicopters, with more than 700 personnel on the mission in total. It comprises three vessels:

•    Kunming — guided-missile destroyer, on its first escort mission
•    Yueyang — guided-missile frigate, a veteran of several previous deployments
•    Luomahu — comprehensive supply ship, also experienced in past escort missions

During the preparation phase, the fleet assessed the potential risks, challenges, and actual threats it might face during operations. It will take over duties from the 48th escort fleet, which set sail in October last year.

A presence maintained since 2008

In line with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, China has kept a regular naval escort presence in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters since 2008, aiming to safeguard the security of international shipping routes, escort Chinese and foreign vessels, and rescue, protect, or assist ships in distress. Over that period, Chinese fleets have escorted more than 7,000 Chinese and foreign vessels and taken part in evacuations of Chinese citizens and foreign nationals from several conflict-hit countries.

China’s Ministry of National Defense said the navy remains committed to building and supporting a maritime community with a shared future, and to contributing to the security of global sea lanes as well as regional peace and stability.

Source: Xinhua; China’s Ministry of National Defense. Sanya, August 12, 2026.