World | Other World Stories

Taiwan considers sending naval force to Somali waters

A senior official says Taiwan is considering sending a naval force to protect its fishing vessels off the coast of the African nation of Somalia.

  • AP
  • Published: 15:23 January 8, 2009
  • Gulf News

Taipei: A senior official says Taiwan is considering sending a naval force to protect its fishing vessels off the coast of the African nation of Somalia.

Thursday's comments by Mainland Affairs Council Vice Chairman Chao Chien-min come amid rising concern over attacks by Somali-based pirates against foreign vessels, including those from Taiwan.

Chao says that the Taiwanese government is currently studying the feasibility of dispatching its navy to the area, but that a final decision has not yet been reached.

There are now more than a dozen warships guarding Somalia's waters. Countries including the US, Britain, China, France, Germany and Iran have naval forces off the Somali coast or on their way there.

  • Rate this article
  • Average reader rating (0 votes) 0 Stars
News Editor's choice