China's Defense Ministry has officially announced that China will field three warships to waters off Somalia to protect Chinese vessels from pirate attacks. Commenting on the move, China's Foreign Ministry says China's pursuit of a defense policy has not changed. CRI's Zheng Chenguang takes a look.

Reporter:
Addressing a news conference on Tuesday, Senior Colonel Huang Xueping, also spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, says the Chinese ships are willing to cooperate with other countries' vessels to maintain peace in the area.

"During the escort operation, Chinese ships are ready and willing to strengthen information and share intelligence, as well as humanitarian rescue operations with vessels of relevant countries, according to the situation on the ground."

The spokesperson revealed that two destroyers and a supply ship will leave southern China's island province of Hainan on Friday to carry out their mission.

The Chinese fleet will join ships from the Unite States, Denmark, Italy, Russia and other countries in patrolling the Gulf of Aden, one of the world's busiest sea lanes.

Senior Captain Ma Luping, Director of the navy operational bureau under the Headquarters of the General Staff, said the navy is confident and capable of fulfilling their missions.

"While of course the relevant waters are of quite complex conditions, it is far away from the mainland of China and we do not have any base there so we may encounter some difficulties in terms of the offshore supply of our ships, but as I said in the beginning, there are no obstacles that are insurmountable."

Meanwhile, China has reiterated the defensive nature in its national defense policies and says it will stick to the path of peaceful development.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Qin Gang made these remarks in a routine press conference on Tuesday.

"China will adhere to a defensive military policy and stick to the path of a peaceful development. The move is a good example that China will strive to safeguard world peace and stability. It has demonstrated China's foreign policies and other principals that put people first."

Last week, the Foreign Ministry said about 20 percent of Chinese ships passing through the area had come under attack so far this year.

Back Anchor: That was CRI's Zheng Chenguang with the story.