Apparently the People’s Liberation Army Navy (that’s exactly the way they wrote it in the International Herald Tribune story) will project its power globally.

“The Chinese government confirmed Thursday that it would send naval ships to the Gulf of Aden to help in the fight against piracy there. The mission, which is expected to begin in about two weeks, would be first modern deployment of Chinese warships outside the Pacific.”

It’s nice to see that China is stepping in to participate in the international effort to keep the area open for shipping traffic.  This is an important step in the country’s emergence as a superpower.  Perhaps the U.S. can view this as progress towards a time when we don’t have to be the world’s only “policeman.”  It’s also worth noting that China chose to make this foray to Africa.  Clearly the government is willing to take the measures necessary to protect its interests in the region.

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