Setting sail against a sea of troubles

The PLA navy has long been at the forefront of international efforts to provide assistance and safe passage in the pirate-infested waters off Somalia's east coast, reflecting China's commitment to protecting trade routes and the global economy, as Zhao Lei reports.

Over the past six years, sailors from around the world have become accustomed to hearing the same announcement, albeit issued in a variety of voices.

"This is the Chinese navy escort task force. Any ship in need of assistance please call us via Channel 16," the announcer says in Chinese and English, several times a day.