China mute on hijacking dilemma
- Source: Global Times
- [02:39 October 22 2009]
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Chen Yulai, another African studies expert at the CASS, suggested that the release of the crew could possibly be achieved through negotiations with tribal elders of the pirates.
Somali pirates always have connections with local tribes, where the elders might have an influence on the pirates, Chen said, adding that Chinese diplomats in Kenya could use their connections with Somali tribal elders to negotiate with the pirates.
The Ministry of Transport said Wednesday that the ship's communication equipment is likely in the hands of the pirates, as attempts to contact the carrier by phone and fax have proved unsuccessful.
The incident has also given rise to the question of who would pay the ransom.
The carrier's owner, Qingdao Ocean Shipping, has paid over $40 million in cargo marine insurance for the ship, according to Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV.
The ransom paid for hijacked ships in the Gulf of Aden averages $1.5 million to $1.8 million, according to Phoenix TV.
The paying of ransoms for hijacked ships has fueled the pirates' greed, as in recent years ransoms have soared from $100,000 to $20 million, paid to free a Ukrainian ship in 2008.
The hijacking comes in the wake of 47 such attacks during the first nine months of 2009, up from 12 during the same period last year, while in the Gulf of Aden there were 100 attacks this year compared with 51 in 2008.
Earlier this month, Spanish trawler Alakrana was seized by pirates in the Indian Ocean. The government has decided to release one of two captured suspected Somali pirates because he is a minor, aged just 17.
Zhang Zuyue, secretary-general of the China Shipowners' Association, said Chinese cargo ships have always been provided with knowledge on how to protect themselves based on past international experience and lessons learned.
But he said that hiring "decoy duck" or escort vessels is not feasible for Chinese cargo ships, citing problems related to management and funds.
Zhang Han and Liang Chen contributed to this story
