China has formally requested to take a lead role in co-ordinating international anti-piracy operations off Somalia - an unprecedented move that would be an expansion of its historic deployment of warships to the Indian Ocean.
Beijing officials lodged the request during a closed-door meeting at the weekend involving representatives of the key navies involved in protecting vital sea lanes between Asia and Europe as they pass round the Horn of Africa into the Gulf of Aden.
The hastily arranged meeting, called at the request of Beijing, also confirmed the need for more warships to be sent to the area and greater co-ordination efforts, according to a range of officials involved.
'China is very keen but more discussions will be needed before a final agreement is reached,' one official who was at the meeting said.
'It's unprecedented but Beijing's request was welcomed in a very co-operative atmosphere ... there is a recognition that a great deal more work is needed to get on top of piracy.'
The meeting follows the hijacking of a Chinese bulk carrier three weeks ago - the first since three Chinese warships started patrolling off Somalia in January. Beijing and the ship's owners are involved in secret talks over a ransom to free the 25 Chinese crew of the De Xin Hai, who are being held on the ship anchored in a pirate stronghold on Somalia's east coast.
The strongholds highlight the weakness of the international anti-piracy patrols, with no navies so far willing to risk a confrontation on Somalia's lawless coast despite UN Security Council resolutions allowing the use of force in Somali waters.
