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PLA Navy expands its horizons in Somalia mission

By Wang Hui (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-04-29 10:45

The PLA Navy should learn from foreign forces' civilian-based information network, which has satellites monitoring the pirate-plagued region, said Du, and learn how other nations cater to sailors on long-term overseas missions.

It is important to keep them in a good mood with plenty of port leave, said officers, who revealed they were surprised by some of the relaxed methods they witnessed during visits to foreign warships.

A happy Chinese naval officer greets his wife after the fleet's arrival in Sanya, Hainan, yesterday. [China Daily/Yan Dong and Li Chang]

Chinese soldiers are more strictly regulated and have rare opportunities to talk to their family members during a mission.

Full Coverage:  Global War Against Pirates Related readings:  Chinese navy rescues tanker hijacked by pirates  Undeterred pirates hijack 4 more ships  US captain freed; pirates vow tit-for-tat action  Chinese naval fleet wards off pirates' attack

The PLA fleet exchanged visits with several foreign navies, including from the United States and Europe, during its mission. They also swapped about 300 intelligence emails on pirate information. "Only openness and cooperation can help China learn from more experienced navies," added Du.

The French Navy has been among the many forces worldwide to say they were looking forward to strengthening communication and cooperation with the PLA Navy in the future.

Sabine Rivayrol, a spokesman for its Ministry of Defence, said in Paris the nation's navy commanders would like to maintain a "mutual trust" with their Chinese counterparts.

France's light monitoring frigate F734 Vendemiaire was part of the historic multinational fleet review held in Qingdao, Shangdong province, last Thursday to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the PLA Navy.

Cui Xiaohuo and Wang Linyan contributed to the story

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