Senior Colonel Yan Baojian, a fleet commander in the South China Sea Fleet, said the navy is capable of operating overseas missions without any military base on foreign soil.
He said the naval force can work extensively with China's business operations worldwide for military supplies, in addition to advanced supply ships.
Rear Admiral Cao Dongshen, also a naval commander, said the Chinese navy has no secret agenda on global expansion.
"The strategy of our naval force is active defense. It is part of the country's development and diplomatic strategy," he said.
The navy set off on its first major overseas operation in December 2008. During the past 15 months, four fleets have patrolled the sea off the Horn of Africa. En route, they stopped for supplies in several nations including Pakistan, Yemen and Oman.
By March 8, the fleets had escorted 1,677 Chinese and foreign merchant ships and rescued 23 vessels from pirates' attacks.
Two combat ships on the fifth mission are expected to reach Somali waters this weekend to continue the operation in collaboration with navies from more than 20 major countries.
(Source: China Daily)
