China has suspended anti-piracy patrols south of the Arabian Peninsula, and diverted the ships to Yemen to rescue hundreds of Chinese nationals from the growing conflict.  It’s only the second time that Chinese military assets have been used for this purpose.

During Libya’s civil war in 2011, Beijing sent one of its most sophisticated warships and military transport aircraft to help in the evacuation of about 35,000 Chinese citizens. 

This time, three Chinese navy ships are being dispatched to the port of Aden to rescue about 500 Chinese citizens.  No Chinese have been reported killed or injured in the fighting in Yemen, but the country is a mess – Iran-backed Houthi rebels are advancing despite Saudi-led air attacks, and the terrorist groups al Qarda in the Arabian Peninsula and Islamic State are waiting in the wings.  It threatens to blow up into the Sunni-versus-Shiite conflict that the region has feared for decades.

The three ships had been keeping down Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden.  It’s not clear when those patrols will resumes.  China first joined the patrols in December 2008 and has sent a total of 19 squadrons to maintain an unbroken presence in the area.