Chinese naval escort ships start regular in-port replenishment

Talks of a Chinese overseas "supply base" for its anti-piracy task force caused such a stir back in December 2009. In January 2010, the PLAN issued a statement saying it had ruled out an overseas naval base for now (here). And as such, the PLAN Task force continued to rely on the state owned COSCO (China Ocean Shipping Company) for supply runs in open water.

Looks like the situation may have changed. While the Sultanate of Oman is not a permanent base, it is still a welcome break from on-station at high seas.

Chinese naval escort ships start regular in-port replenishment

http://eng.mod.gov.cn/DefenseNews/2010-06/10/content_4164625.htm

( Source: Xinhua ) 2010-June-10 16:39
　 　At lunch time on June 8, the “Guangzhou” guided-missile destroyer of the 5th Chinese naval escort taskforce sailed into Port of Salalah, the Sultanate of Oman, unveiling a 5-day-long replenishment. This is the third time for the destroyer to have an in-port rest and replenishment since it joined the Chinese Navy’s escort mission in the Gulf of Aden in March of this year.
　　In the wake of that the escort action of the Chinese Navy has entered a new stage of orderly rotation and normalized operation, the Chinese naval escort ships have also started to enjoy regular in-port replenishment.
　　Presently, the Chinese naval escort ships have in-port replenishment for about 5 days once a month in average. And the available ports include Port of Salalah, the Sultanate of Oman, Port of Jibouti, the Republic of Jibouti, and Port of Aden, the Republic of Yemen.
　　To ensure the sustainability and continuation of the escort actions, the Chinese naval escort ships take turns to do in-port replenishment. Under the schedule, one warship berths for replenishment while the other two warships continue to provide escort for merchant ships according to mission plan.
　　By Liu Chunhui and Cao Haihua
Editor : Ouyang

COSCO resupplying at high seas.

Chinese, Omani defense chiefs discuss stronger ties, anti-piracy operation

(Source: Xinhua) 2010-06-04

　　BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) -- China and Oman on Thursday pledged to enhance military relations, including joint efforts to combat piracy off Somalia.

　 　The pledge came out of the hour-long talks between Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie and his Omani counterpart Aayyid Badr Bin Saud Bin Hareb Al-Busaidi.

　　Liang recalled his visit to Oman in 2008, saying the visit helped communications between the two militaries.

　 　Liang said bilateral ties were developing soundly, and proposed the two militaries strengthen exchanges and expand areas of cooperation.

　 　Badr echoed Liang's proposal and called for the two militaries to step up personnel training and other substantive cooperation.

　　Liang briefed Badr on the Chinese navy's operations to crack down on pirates at the Gulf of Aden and Somalia.

　　In December 2008, China sent its first naval vessels to battle the rising threat from piracy off Somali. The supply ship for China's anti-piracy naval task was restocked with drinking water, fuel and food at the port of Salalah in Oman last year.

　　Badr said his military would continue to provide the Chinese naval fleet with supplies if necessary.

　　They also discussed broader China-Oman relations, saying the two countries were good brothers and partners.

　　Badr, on a six-day visit to China, will travel to the country's financial hub of Shanghai later this week.

Editor:Yang Liming