A Chinese naval fleet arrived Tuesday in the waters of the Gulf of Aden off Somalia to carry out the first escort mission against pirates.

A helicopter of the Chinese naval fleet attends a landing exercise at night on December 28, 2008, while the Chinese naval fleet heads for the Gulf of Aden. The Chinese naval fleet including two destroyers and a supply ship set off on December 26 for waters off Somalia for an escort mission against piracy.[Xinhua]

Four Chinese merchant ships, including one from China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, were escorted by the fleet.

Rear-Admiral Du Jingchen, commander of the force, said the escort mission has started and "we would strictly observe UN resolutions and relevant international laws to fulfill our obligations."