China Hasn't Sent Navy Overseas In 500 Years, Until Today

[Matt Molnar]

Times of London:

Beijing ends 500 years of tradition as it sends the navy out to attack pirates
December 27, 2008

Leo Lewis in China

From the dockside of the Yalong Bay base the three decorated vessels that weighed anchor and slipped off into the tropical seas yesterday afternoon might have been any normal coastal patrol.

For Beijing – and for governments watching across the globe – it was the beginning of a new era in world naval history. The interests of China now extend far beyond its borders but this was the first time in more than five centuries that it has travelled outside its territorial waters to defend them.

The last time a Chinese military fleet set sail for anywhere as far afield as Africa with the prospect of a fight at the other end, the ships were 400ft (122m) wooden junks and the commander was a Ming dynasty court eunuch called Zheng He.

[PhilDernerJr]

It's about time someone did something about this. Why are we not using this opportunity to play target practice?

[cancidas]

even though the SEALs especially would love to play, i think that our military is stretched way to thin to be taking on another fight like this one.

[T-Bird76]

We have ships in the region, along with the Germans, English, French, Italians, and Russians. Its a vast heavily traveled area to protect and with no formal Gov't in Somalia its easy for Pirates to launch attacks from many points along the shore.

[Tom_Turner]

We have ships in the region, along with the Germans, English, French, Italians, and Russians. Its a vast heavily traveled area to protect and with no formal Gov't in Somalia its easy for Pirates to launch attacks from many points along the shore.

Yes, China will be there. India is already there. I believe Iran is going to play as well. We may have a left a few out even. A genuine international naval review.

One of the problems facing these Navies is that the shipping companies may be from a given nation, the ship registered in another, or charted from a 3rd party (different nation still) owner, with a 4th nation (or more) foreign crew, and the cargo may belong to yet other entities. Under these circumstances it is not obvious when its okay to endanger hostages and property and engage the pirates. Still though, I agree in principle; time for some target practice.

Tom