Chinese, Australian Naval Officers Share Counter-Piracy Lessons

Chinese and Australian naval officers shared their experiences in the conduct of counter-piracy operations in the Middle East Area of Operations at a roundtable meeting on thursday.

Rear Admiral Zhou Xu-Ming Commander of the Chinese Naval Task Group and the commanding officers of three visiting People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) ships met with the Acting Commander of the Australian Fleet Commodore Jonathan Mead, AM, and Commodore Greg Sammut, CSC, at Garden Island in Sydney.

Australia’s Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, AO, CSC, said the visit was an opportunity for the Royal Australian Navy and the PLA-N to share lessons learnt during their counter-piracy patrols.

“China and Australia have a shared interest in keeping maritime trade routes free and secure. In doing so we protect the economic prosperity of our nations and contribute to the security of the global maritime trading system,” Vice Admiral Griggs said.

“I welcome the continued opportunity for our navies to share their experiences today as we exchange lessons learned in the conduct of counter-piracy operations,” Vice Admiral Griggs said.

The PLA-N ship visit is one of a number of defence engagement activities conducted this year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and the People’s Republic of China.

“Over the past few years Australia has been committed to developing strong and positive defence relations with China,” Vice Admiral Griggs said.

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Naval Today Staff, December 24, 2012; Image: Royal Australian Navy