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Chinese fleet will protect HK vessels if necessary

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-11-10 22:16

BEIJING: China's naval escort fleet could provide necessary protection and aid to vessels of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) if need be, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said here Tuesday at a regular press conference.

Qin's remarks came after a Hong Kong-flagged ship was reportedly attacked by the Somali pirates on Monday.

Related readings:  China sends new naval flotilla to Somali waters  China vows to save crew held by Somali pirates  Hijacked fishing boat remains in Somali port

According to the report by the China News Service, the vessel managed to escape after the attack.

Qin said China sent the escort fleet to the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters with the aim of ensuring the security of its vessels sailing across this sea area.

As Hong Kong is a part of China, China's escort fleet will give necessary protection and assistance if need be, said Qin.

If Hong Kong's vessels passing this sea area need the protection of China's escort fleet, they could express the requirement through relevant channels, he said.

Noting he was not clear about the reported incident, Qin said the ministry would further verify the related details.

The ministry will express sympathy to the crew members on board and the shipowner, if the facts are true, he said.

Qin said combating pirates was the common responsibility of the international community, and was also a grave concern for today's world.

China was ready to enhance cooperation with other countries on this issue, and would be committed to safeguarding regional stability and peace, he said.