Chinese Fishing Vessel Freed from Somali Pirates

A Chinese-owned fishing vessel hijacked off the coast of Somalia in November has been released along with its 18-member crew, as confirmed by the Chinese Embassy in Somalia. The embassy stated that all crew members are safe, and the vessel is now in transit to safe waters. The pirates had initially demanded a ransom of $10 million, but it remains unclear if any payment was made. The Chinese government condemned the hijacking as a severe threat to crew safety and international navigation security, emphasizing its commitment to protecting its citizens abroad. This incident highlights ongoing maritime security challenges in Somali waters, despite a significant reduction in piracy since its peak in 2011, largely due to international naval patrols. The Chinese embassy coordinated closely with Somali federal and Puntland regional authorities for the vessel's release.