China’s navy engaging in unprecedented co-ordination with India, Japan on anti-piracy patrols

By Christopher Bodeen

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

BEIJING — China is closely co-operating with the navies of Japan and India in patrolling against piracy off Somalia as the country shows more willingness to work with other nations in safeguarding global trade.

The effort also comes despite mixed sentiments among Chinese toward the country’s main Asian rivals.

Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun said Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence Force on Sunday became the lead navy among the three aiming to synchronize patrols and best allocate their ships.

China joined the Gulf of Aden patrols in late 2008. It’s gradually moved from guarding Chinese ships to escorting ships of all nationalities. The three nations began co-ordinating their patrols this year.

Analysts say the escort pact is a sign of Chinese naval confidence and could reduce the chances of confrontation in Asian waters.

03:46ET 03-07-12