The first Chinese naval fleet joining an international antipiracy patrol began its mission after arriving in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia on January 6.

Four Chinese cargo vessels, including one from Hong Kong, were the first to be escorted by Chinese warships.

The fleet, consisting of two destroyers and one supply ship, will protect Chinese and foreign vessels passing through the area on request and without charge for a three-month period. The fleet will also help ships carrying humanitarian relief for international organizations.

Here cargo ships sail off the coast of Somalia under the escort of destroyer Wuhan (first left) of the Chinese Navy.