Defense chief balks at sending local naval vessels to Gulf of Aden
ROC Central News Agency
Taipei, Jan. 17 (CNA) Minister of National Defense Chen Chao-min said Saturday that it will be rather difficult to dispatch naval vessels to the Gulf of Aden to protect Taiwanese ships from Somalian pirates operating there.
Chen made the remarks during a gathering with the media when he was asked about a Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) suggestion that security agencies are studying the possibility of dispatching local naval vessels to the waterway off Somalia's northern coast.
He noted that there are now more than 40 military ships deployed by various countries in the Gulf of Aden, and the ships have stated that they would provide support and protection for vessels passing through the waterway if needed.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also made coordinated efforts on the matter through various channels, Chen said.
"If Taiwan can receive substantial protection, the ministry has to further assess if it is necessary to send the naval frigates there," he added.
Another obstacle, he said, was that Taiwan's military support vessels that transport fuel and ammunition are currently being maintained or repaired.
Taiwan's lack of diplomatic allies could also present a problem, he suggested.
"If we send the ships, the logistics would pose a great challenge, especially because we have no diplomatic allies along the navigation route and will have problems refueling and getting fresh water," Chen said.
Chen's remarks came in the wake of recent reports indicating that a Taiwanese-owner ship, registered in Liberia, was escorted by the Chinese navy through the pirate-infested waters.
The MAC had previously said it would not request or accept assistance for Taiwanese ships from the Chinese naval fleet. (By Lilian Wu) enditem/ls
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