China's Participation in Anti-Piracy Operations off the Horn of Africa: Drivers and Implications

摘要

In December 2008, the navy of the People's Republic of China (People's Liberation Army Navy, or PLAN) deployed a task force, made up of two guided missile destroyers and a supply ship, to participate in international antipiracy operations off the coast of Somalia, in the Gulf of Aden/Horn of Africa (HoA) region. This deployment marked the first time in modern history that China's navy has engaged in an operational mission outside of its claimed territorial waters. The PLAN's participation in international anti-piracy operations has been viewed by many in the United States and elsewhere as an indication of China's apparent willingness to take on a larger military role on the global stage.