China supports the efforts of countries to engage in international cooperation in combating piracy off the Somali coast under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, a senior Chinese diplomat said Thursday.

Wang Min, deputy permanent representative of China to the United Nations, made the remarks as he spoke at a meeting of the Contact Group on Somali piracy here.

As of May 2010, China had dispatched 13 warships in five successive batches to carry out escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia, he said. Chinese naval fleets have altogether completed escort missions for 1,300 vessels in 202 batches.

"They have effectively safeguarded the safety and security of vessels and personnel from China and other countries and international organizations going through the Somali coast and the Gulf of Aden, and made contributions to peace and tranquility in the region," he said.

"Within the framework of the United Nations, China will continue to work with parties concerned to conduct extensive and in-depth discussions on the effective ways to strengthen the fight against piracy, and further build consensus and form synergy to counter the threat of piracy," Wang added.

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