On December 18, 2008, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Jianchao held a regular press conference and answered questions on counter-piracy efforts off the coast of Somalia and etc.

Liu Jianchao: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Let’s go straight ahead to your questions.

Q: It’s reported that China will send warships to crack down on Somali piracy at the Aden Gulf. Please confirm. If so, could you specify for us how many, what kind of ships and when will they be leaving? Why is it that China decides at this point to get involved in the international counter-piracy efforts?

A: First, let me share with you some background information. For a long period of time, particularly over the past year, the Aden Gulf and seas off the Somali coast have witnessed rampant pirate attacks with many vessels hijacked. Piracy has become an international enemy that poses severe threat to international navigation, maritime trade and security. Here is some data. According to the “Seafarers Assistance Program” in Kenya, in 2007, around 300 ships were hijacked or attacked by pirates off the Somali coast. During the first 11 months of 2008, over 40 ships were hijacked, involving more than 600 sailors. So far, there are still over 20 ships with almost 300 seafarers held hostage by pirates.

So far as China is concerned, during the first 11 months of this year, China has all together 1,265 commercial ships sailing through the route, that is, three to four ships per day on average. 20% of them were attacked. This year, there are seven hijack cases involving China, including two Chinese ships and 42 Chinese seafarers, five foreign ships with Chinese seafarers, cargo or flying Hongkong flag. Up to date, there remains one Chinese fishing boat and 18 crew members held captive.

You may have noticed that the UN has adopted several resolutions recently to authorize countries to take counter-piracy actions off the Somali coast according to Chapter 7 of the UN Charter. The Transitional Federal Government of the Somali Republic also appeals for international assistance. The Chinese Government welcomes effective international effort to combat Somali piracy, and supports relevant countries’ efforts in this regard by sending naval vessels according to international laws and Security Council Resolutions. China is considering sending naval vessels to the Aden Gulf and seas off the Somali coast for convoy. Preparation and arrangement is underway. Information will be released when everything is ready.

Q: It’s understood that a Chinese ship was attacked by pirates at the Aden Gulf yesterday, but managed to come out safe with external assistance. Please confirm and tell us more about it.

A: The story is already in the news. At 12:43 on December 17, “Zhenhua 4”, a cargo ship with China Communications Construction Company was attacked by pirates at the Aden Gulf. Nine pirates boarded the ship.

Upon learning the news, the Chinese Government took it seriously, relevant authorities immediately arranged emergency rescue, directed the Chinese crew to fend off the pirates, and meanwhile sent a distress message to the International Maritime Bureau's piracy reporting centre in Malaysia. Thereupon, Malaysia sent an armed helicopter and a naval ship to rescue them. With joint efforts, pirates were forced back, the ship and its 30 crew members were rescued.

China expresses its heartfelt thanks to Malaysia and relevant international organization for their help.

Q: I wonder whether the Chinese crew fought back in the attack. Do you have any protocol about how to deal with attacks?

A: With regard to pirate attack, the Chinese crew take measures according to emergency plans and real situation. I’m not aware of the specific measures taken in this incident, but I’m sure the Chinese crew dealt with pirates tactfully to ensure safety of their own and the ship while waiting for assistance. The rescue yesterday was successful and should serve as a good example for the future international cooperation to ensure safe navigation at the Aden Gulf and seas off the Somali coast.

Q: During his speech at the meeting to commemorate the 30th anniversary of China’s reform and opening up, President Hu Jintao mentioned several times “socialism with Chinese characteristics”. Could you tell us the implication of this term? Also, President Hu Jintao said China will follow its own development path, and will not bend to any foreign pressure. How do you make sure of this?

A: Just like you, I listened carefully to President Hu Jintao’s speech at the commemorative meeting of the 30th anniversary of China’s reform and opening up. He summed up the remarkable achievements and successful experience of building socialism with Chinese characteristics during the past three decades, and also defined direction for future efforts. It’s a very informative speech that takes time to study and digest. Maybe we could have in-depth discussion later.

If there are no more questions, see you and happy new year!