The South China Morning Post published on 19 May 2022 an article titled "China's PLA Navy Sends Destroyer and Frigate on First Escort Mission, Targeting Pirates Off Somalia" by Amber Wang.
China has sent for the first time the upgraded guided-missile destroyer Suzhou and the frigate Nantung to the Gulf of Aden as part of its anti-piracy contribution that began in 2008.
Comment: Somali piracy in the Gulf of Aden ceased being a serious problem years ago, but China regularly rotates escort missions to the area. This is a way to train naval personnel, test new equipment in the far seas, and make use of its military base in Djibouti. It also contributes to China's goal of becoming a global naval power.
