China evacuates nationals from Yemen, suspends anti-piracy patrols

[Aepsilons]

BEIJING – China is evacuating its citizens from Yemen and suspending anti-piracy patrols in the area amid the growing violence in the Middle Eastern country.

Three Chinese navy ships were diverted to the port of Aden to rescue about 500 Chinese nationals caught in the conflict, state media reported Monday, marking only the second time Chinese military assets have been used in such a mission.

China took the unprecedented step of dispatching one of its most sophisticated warships and military transport aircraft to help in the evacuation of about 35,000 Chinese citizens amid Libya’s civil war in 2011.

No Chinese have been reported killed or injured in the fighting in Yemen that now threatens a potentially dangerous clash between U.S.-allied Arab states and Iran.

The official China Shipowners’ Association said on its website that it had been notified that China was temporarily halting its participation in multinational patrols in the Gulf of Aden aimed at countering Somali pirates.

The notice said it wasn’t clear when the patrols would resume and Defense Ministry spokesmen could not immediately be reached for comment.

China joined the patrols in December 2008 and has sent a total of 19 squadrons to maintain an unbroken presence in the area.


China evacuates nationals from Yemen, suspends anti-piracy patrols | The Japan Times

 

[Aepsilons]

I hope that the PLAN returns to anti piracy patrols in this region as the current quagmire in Yemen may just be the environment that these pirates require to thrive, considering how foreign navies are reducing their presence for security reasons. The JMSDF is resolute in its presence here and will do as much as possible in escorting the merchant fleets here, but the professionalism of the PLAN has been a known factor in reducing piracy activity --- in fact the JMSDF warships and PLAN warships that actively patrol this region have even a friendly camaraderie and these joint patrols have increased our respect for one another. I hope to see PLAN activity again in the region --- a partner of the JMSDF's escort fleet here.

Any updates @cnleio @Pangu @Shotgunner51 @Chinese-Dragon @cirr et al

 

[Shotgunner51]

I hope that the PLAN returns to anti piracy patrols in this region as the current quagmire in Yemen may just be the environment that these pirates require to thrive, considering how foreign navies are reducing their presence for security reasons. The JMSDF is resolute in its presence here and will do as much as possible in escorting the merchant fleets here, but the professionalism of the PLAN has been a known factor in reducing piracy activity --- in fact the JMSDF warships and PLAN warships that actively patrol this region have even a friendly camaraderie and these joint patrols have increased our respect for one another. I hope to see PLAN activity again in the region --- a partner of the JMSDF's escort fleet here.

Any updates @cnleio @Pangu @Shotgunner51 @Chinese-Dragon @cirr et al

Thanks bro. These days media is overwhelmed by Xi Jinping's visit to Pakistan and Asian-African Summit, not much on Yemen. Anyway you were right both JMSDF and PLAN should resume normal patrol ASAP, the shipping lines to East Asia are vulnerable to piracy.

 

[Aepsilons]

The Japanese Escort Fleet --- REMAINS active

Thanks bro. These days media is overwhelmed by Xi Jinping's visit to Pakistan and Asian-African Summit, not much on Yemen. Anyway you were right both JMSDF and PLAN should resume normal patrol ASAP, the shipping lines to East Asia are vulnerable to piracy.

In fact, bro, it is the JMSDF and PLAN that takes the bulk of responsibilities there , in the Gulf of Aden . NATO Maritime Flotilla has some ships here and there, but they are not a constant force, nor do they provide quantitative presence as compared to the JMSDF (which we have deployed a permanent Destroyer squadron presence) as well as the PLAN. There are even times that it is only PLAN and JMSDF warships doing patrols , i kid you not. US Naval forces usually are in routine patrols in Straits of Hormuz, and from time to time there is presence of Indian Navy ships , but they are usually restricted to the proximal and their presence is limited due to distance from logistical bases. The PLAN is vital in this region , and I hope that China works out a defense articulation with Djibouti so that they can establish their own permanent military base there as well --- in regards to China and Japan --- both of us are forces of stability in this largely ignored region of the world.

And we must protect our vital shipping lines. This is our artery. That is worth over $15 Trillion.

 

[Shotgunner51]

The Japanese Escort Fleet --- REMAINS active

In fact, bro, it is the JMSDF and PLAN that takes the bulk of responsibilities there , in the Gulf of Aden . NATO Maritime Flotilla has some ships here and there, but they are not a constant force, nor do they provide quantitative presence as compared to the JMSDF (which we have deployed a permanent Destroyer squadron presence) as well as the PLAN. There are even times that it is only PLAN and JMSDF warships doing patrols , i kid you not. US Naval forces usually are in routine patrols in Straits of Hormuz, and from time to time there is presence of Indian Navy ships , but they are usually restricted to the proximal and their presence is limited due to distance from logistical bases. The PLAN is vital in this region , and I hope that China works out a defense articulation with Djibouti so that they can establish their own permanent military base there as well --- in regards to China and Japan --- both of us are forces of stability in this largely ignored region of the world.

And we must protect our vital shipping lines. This is our artery. That is worth over $15 Trillion.

Stunning pics, JMSDF have the best ships!

I was puzzled by the lack of USN in these waters, and seems that USN haven't performed any evacuation from Yemen till now am I correct? Either way both JMSDF and PLAN are doing so far satisfactory jobs here, though more ships are definitely needed. Maybe PLAN can use Djibouti for non-military materials replenishment, anyway I guess they are working on the logistics plan.

 

[Aepsilons]

Stunning pics, JMSDF have the best ships!

I was puzzled by the lack of USN in these waters, and seems that USN haven't performed any evacuation from Yemen till now am I correct? Either way both JMSDF and PLAN are doing so far satisfactory jobs here, though more ships are definitely needed. Maybe PLAN can use Djibouti for non-military materials replenishment, anyway I guess they are working on the logistics plan.

The sad reality, my friend, is that the United States Navy is retreating from its former active presence in the world. The United States Navy is actually even planning to retire 11of their Ticonderoga Class Cruisers , and they are retiring their Perry Class Frigates, effectively. The US Navy will be focused primarily on a destroyer-centered force, with some LCS ships here and there, but they will have a reduced cruiser and thus offensive capability , they are trying to augment this by arming other ships with offensive firepower, however, that will not, in my opinion, leverage the loss of their 11 cruisers.

Defense Bill Punts on Navy Plan to Mothball Cruisers, Adds Money for 12th LPD, Growlers - USNI News

The European Union really doesn't have active presence in these waters, as their respective governments are actually reducing their defense spending with the only country in the NATO organization that actually sends ships for patrols is the French Navy and the British Navy, but the latter two are restricted due to the size of their navy. Again, they do not have a quantitative presence as compared to the JMSDF and the PLAN (which actually deployed entire fleets).

With the slow retreat of the Western powers, this is an opportune time for both Japan and China to help stabilize this region, a region that is vital for our trade and our citizens abroad. Mind you it is both China and Japan that are the major investors and developers of Africa and the Middle East. Due to this nature, we have to ensure we protect our investments.

Again, I don't see the logic in Japan and China relying on western navies to protect mostly Japanese and Chinese shipping. Why should we rely on their naval presence when both our navies are larger than theirs combined? lol.

 

[Shotgunner51]

The sad reality, my friend, is that the United States Navy is retreating from its former active presence in the world. The United States Navy is actually even planning to retire 11of their Ticonderoga Class Cruisers , and they are retiring their Perry Class Frigates, effectively. The US Navy will be focused primarily on a destroyer-centered force, with some LCS ships here and there, but they will have a reduced cruiser and thus offensive capability , they are trying to augment this by arming other ships with offensive firepower, however, that will not, in my opinion, leverage the loss of their 11 cruisers.

Defense Bill Punts on Navy Plan to Mothball Cruisers, Adds Money for 12th LPD, Growlers - USNI News

The European Union really doesn't have active presence in these waters, as their respective governments are actually reducing their defense spending with the only country in the NATO organization that actually sends ships for patrols is the French Navy and the British Navy, but the latter two are restricted due to the size of their navy. Again, they do not have a quantitative presence as compared to the JMSDF and the PLAN (which actually deployed entire fleets).

With the slow retreat of the Western powers, this is an opportune time for both Japan and China to help stabilize this region, a region that is vital for our trade and our citizens abroad. Mind you it is both China and Japan that are the major investors and developers of Africa and the Middle East. Due to this nature, we have to ensure we protect our investments.

Again, I don't see the logic in Japan and China relying on western navies to protect mostly Japanese and Chinese shipping. Why should we rely on their naval presence when both our navies are larger than theirs combined? lol.

Yup, most of the ships are either on their way to a Chinese port or just departed from it. If we add volume of Busan port, Keihin port, Hanshin port and Nagoya port, then almost every shipment is for East Asia.

Since WWII these maritime routes are always protected by the only capable policing force - the USN, however if they are retreating then JMSDF and PLAN have to do the job which is our own responsibilities anyway.

 

[Aepsilons]

Yup, most of the ships are either on their way to a Chinese port or just departed from it. If we add volume of Busan port, Keihin port, Hanshin port and Nagoya port, then almost every shipment is for East Asia.

Since WWII these maritime routes are always protected by the only capable policing force - the USN, however if they are retreating then JMSDF and PLAN have to do the job which is our own responsibilities anyway.

Times are changing, bro. Anyways, hope to see our Chinese brothers in the PLAN to return soon.

 

[Shotgunner51]

Times are changing, bro. Anyways, hope to see our Chinese brothers in the PLAN to return soon.

JMSDF has a bigger surface fleet than UK and France combined, comprised of world best quality ships, and of which logistics can be supported by her allies, hence I have confidence that JMSDF can do the job smoothly.

Things are a little tough for PLAN. The surface fleet not big enough (considering many other missions that draw away resources), quality of ships still unsatisfactory, and yet to improve logistical supplies. The only advantage is that being also a continental country, China can develop an alternative route through the land and partly relief the pressure on the maritime route.

 

[milvipes]

It's not in the US's direct interest to safeguard the maritime transit between Europe, Middle East, & East Asia.

 

[Aepsilons]

It's not in the US's direct interest to safeguard the maritime transit between Europe, Middle East, & East Asia.

Actually it is since the route mentioned is the same route of Saudi and OPEC oil shipping routes to US interests in the Pacific (Northern Marianas, Palau, Guam, American Samoa, Hawaii) etc. Any war / military conflict in the Gulf of Aden and Straits of Djibouti endangers the oil shipments from the GCC region to its destinations in South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, Oceania, Pacific.

 

[Pangu]

I hope that the PLAN returns to anti piracy patrols in this region as the current quagmire in Yemen may just be the environment that these pirates require to thrive, considering how foreign navies are reducing their presence for security reasons. The JMSDF is resolute in its presence here and will do as much as possible in escorting the merchant fleets here, but the professionalism of the PLAN has been a known factor in reducing piracy activity --- in fact the JMSDF warships and PLAN warships that actively patrol this region have even a friendly camaraderie and these joint patrols have increased our respect for one another. I hope to see PLAN activity again in the region --- a partner of the JMSDF's escort fleet here.

Any updates @cnleio @Pangu @Shotgunner51 @Chinese-Dragon @cirr et al

Funny how JMSDF & PLAN are competitors in home waters but collaborators elsewhere. I look forward to increased joint ops by both navies for the critical survival of both our nations.