A Chinese fishing vessel off the coast of Somalia has reportedly fallen into the hands of suspected pirates, according to the European Union’s anti-piracy task force. The ship, carrying up to 18 crew members, was hijacked by armed individuals wielding AK-47s and machine guns, though fortunately, none of the crew were injured. The European Union Naval Force, operating under its Operation Atalanta, responded after Somali police in the northeastern Puntland region raised an alarm about the incident.
This hijacking has drawn attention to the region’s significance to China’s strategic interests, as it operates its only overseas military base in Djibouti, nearby. China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has been actively conducting anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden since 2008, as part of broader international efforts to secure vital shipping routes and safeguard trade. However, China has yet to comment on the recent hijacking.
The incident occurs amidst a troubling rise in piracy around the Horn of Africa, a crucial passageway for global trade. International naval forces have been stretched thin, particularly after attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea and disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Despite this uptick in piracy, the total number of attacks remains far lower than the peak years of 2011, when over 200 piracy incidents were recorded.
Operation Atalanta has reported 19 attacks so far this year, the highest number in over a decade, although efforts to combat piracy remain ongoing. While China has maintained its anti-piracy presence in the region, it has notably avoided joining a U.S.-led coalition to safeguard against Houthi attacks. The international community’s efforts, including those of NATO and the UN, have helped curb piracy over the years, but the latest hijacking serves as a reminder that maritime security in this region remains fragile.
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