The People's Liberation Army warships steaming to intercept a hijacked mainland bulk carrier in the Indian Ocean are sailing into uncharted waters in an operation laced with military and diplomatic uncertainty.
The showdown with Somali pirates holding 25 mainland crew hostage looms as a test not just of the PLA navy's capabilities and leadership, but also its ability to co-operate with rival international forces under the global spotlight. It is China's first potential combat mission in centuries beyond its territorial waters.
Military analysts and scholars warned against staging a hasty show of force to smash a tiny but cunning foe. Somali pirates have increasingly plagued international shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean off the Horn of Africa.
The two frigates and supply ship that make up China's anti-piracy task force are expected to close in on the De Xin Hai over the next day or so.
Foreign Ministry officials on Tuesday vowed to take all efforts to rescue the crew. The pirates said they would execute them if any attempt to board the ship was made. Ministry of Transport officials said yesterday that the safety of the crew remained the first priority, according to China News Service.
Chinese authorities were reluctant to reveal details of its rescue plans. The Foreign Ministry has not yet responded to requests for comment on the pirates' threat to kill Chinese sailors.
