Peacekeeping, anti-piracy operations aren't muscle flexing, experts say

The Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy's tackling of maritime piracy in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia is not intended to control strategic international waterways or project its military power overseas, military experts said on Thursday.

On Sunday, the PLA Navy dispatched a naval escort task force from the port city of Zhanjiang, Guangdong province, to the Gulf of Aden and waters off the Horn of Africa, according to Xinhua News Agency.

The convoy consists of missile frigate Xuchang, amphibious transport dock Kunlunshan and supply ship Luomahu. It also includes more than 700 personnel, three helicopters and dozens of special task forces.