Warship arrives to evacuate Chinese nationals from Yemen

The Chinese navy fleet conducting escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters are pictured in this Dec 26, 2014 file photo. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

China has sent a naval fleet to help evacuate Chinese diplomats, medical staff and technicians from conflict-ridden Yemen as the situation continues to get worse, the Ministry of National Defense announced on Monday.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet, which had been carrying out escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters, was dispatched for the evacuation on Sunday, according to the ministry.

It was the first time the navy fleet has suspended escort missions since China started the mission in December 2008.

There are about 590 Chinese nationals in Yemen, Chinese ambassador to Yemen Tian Qi said, adding that no nationals were known to have been killed or injured.

Chinese nationals in Yemen include embassy personnel, overseas students, 58 medical workers, three journalists and technicians from Chinese companies in oil exploration, communication and other industries in Yemen.

The latest Chinese naval fleet left on Dec 2 to conduct escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters. The fleet is made up of missile frigates Linyi and Weifang, and the supply ship Weishanhu, which has two helicopters and more than 700 troops.

The decision was made by the Chinese government in a bid to protect the safety of Chinese nationals and their property, a statement announcing the deployment said.