China to dispatch 49th naval escort taskforce to Gulf of Aden

(ECNS)-- China will send its 49th naval escort taskforce to the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia in mid August, the Ministry of National Defense announced.

The fleet includes the guided missile destroyer CNS Kunming, the guided missile frigate CNS Yueyang and the replenishment ship CNS Luomahu. It will relieve the 48th taskforce currently on duty.

Chinese Navy’s 83rd ship formation arrives in Indonesia for a visit on August 2, 2026. (Photo: China News Service/Li Zhiquan)

As a steadfast defender of maritime security, the Chinese Navy remains dedicated to building a “maritime community with a shared future.” 

By adhering to the principles of peace, development, and win-win cooperation, the Chinese naval forces continue to contribute to safeguarding vital international shipping lanes and maintaining regional peace and stability.

(By Helen Mo, intern Lin Qiaochu)