November 26,2008:
The Chinese South Sea Fleet recently conducted an anti-terrorism drill in
which commandos flew to a merchant ship and then assaulted it by rappelling
down from the helicopter and "cleared" the vessel of pirates and
"rescued" the crew. Earlier this month, a Chinese cargo ship, the
"Delight", and its 25 man crew, was taken by Somali pirates. About
the same time, a Chinese fishing boat, with a crew of 24, was also taken by
Somali pirates off the coast of Kenya. China has said it will contribute forces
to help deal with the Somali pirates.