Street talk

The escorting duty was the first time the Chinese navy sent its warships overseas for non-military actions and initiatives outside the traditional type of safeguarding. With a tour exhibit from Dec 26 to March 26, China Maritime Museum will inform more people about this duty.

Cong Jiangu, vice-president of China Maritime Museum

People often ask me what it feels like on an escort warship, and I usually answer them with questions such as "While you're staying at home with a 24-hour supply of hot water, can you imagine not being able to take a bath after working in sweltering and humid weather for more than two weeks? Living in peaceful times, can you imagine confronting fully armed pirates?

Tao Weigong, a captain who took part in China's first escort missions in 2008

There are about 4,000 Chinese commercial vessels in the international cargo transportation industry. About 90 percent of the cargo in foreign trade is transported by oceangoing ships. The escorting duty of the Chinese navy ensures the safety of the world's sea routes and establishes China as a major responsible country.

Zhuo Li, an official at the Ministry of Transport's search andrescue center

(China Daily 12/26/2013 page10)