China's navy, NATO hold first joint anti-piracy drill

China’s navy, which is involved in anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden, has held its first joint drill with NATO ships carrying out the same mission, China’s Defence Ministry said on November 27. This move isn’t surprising as China has been seeking a greater global security role.

The exercise took place on November 25, the ministry said in a statement. It showed pictures of Chinese and NATO officers chatting on the bridge of a ship and simulating a commando raid.

The exercise is expected to help improve communications between ships on anti-piracy duties. The aim is to ensure that China and NATO can together maintain maritime security and stability in the Gulf of Aden. There weren’t too many other details revealed.

China’s merchant ships and oil tankers are heavy users of the waters off Yemen and Somalia.

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