BEIJING (AP) -- Chinese warships on a mission to protect their country's vessels and crews from pirate attacks off Somalia armed with special forces, helicopters and plans to share information with other countries working in the area.

The operation, China's first major naval mission abroad, will include the destroyers Haikou and Wuhan as well as a large supply ship, said Rear Admiral Xiao Xinnian, deputy chief of staff of the People's Liberation Army Navy. On board will be two helicopters and traditional weapons like missiles and cannons.
""In light of the peculiarity of this operation, we have also dispatched some special forces,"" Xiao said at a news conference Tuesday, adding, ""These special forces will also carry some light weapons that correspond with the specific features and needs of this operation.""
Though the purpose of the mission was to protect Chinese ships and crews, Beijing has called for stepped up cooperation in anti-piracy efforts. China announced it was sending warships to the area after the United Nations Security Council authorized nations to conduct land and air attacks on pirate bases.
""During the escort operation, Chinese ships are ready and willing to strengthen information and intelligence sharing as well as humanitarian rescue operations with vessels of relevant countries according to the situation on the ground,"" said Senior Colonel Huang Xueping, a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense.
Piracy has taken an increasing toll on international shipping, especially in the Gulf of Aden, one of the world's busiest sea lanes. Pirates have made an estimated $30 million hijacking ships for ransom this year, seizing more than 40 vessels off Somalia's 3,000-kilometer, or 1,900-mile, coastline.