Key facts
- Somali piracy incidents have seen a recent increase.
- China has maintained a naval mission in the Gulf of Aden since 2008.
- The mission is primarily focused on anti-piracy operations.
A recent rise in piracy off the coast of Somalia is putting pressure on China's long-running naval mission in the Gulf of Aden. China has been conducting anti-piracy operations in the region since December 2008, deploying naval vessels to escort commercial shipping and deter attacks. The resurgence of piracy incidents tests the effectiveness and endurance of this mission.