A Chinese fishing vessel and its crew, which was illegally hijacked recently by armed assailants in the waters off Puntland State, Somalia, were safely rescued on Monday, according to the Chinese Embassy in Somalia on Tuesday. The Chinese side strongly condemns this grave and malicious incident, which endangered the lives of the crew and international maritime security. 

China will continue to take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and enterprises overseas, the embassy said.

During the resolution of the incident, the Chinese side maintained close communication and coordination with the federal government of Somalia and the regional authorities. The Somali side reiterated that the Chinese fishing vessel had obtained prior authorization from both the federal and the regional governments to operate in Somali waters, and that its activities were fully lawful and compliant. 

Cooperation between the two sides has delivered tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries. The Somali side attaches great importance to China's security concerns and stands ready to further deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with China in fisheries and other fields, according to the embassy.

China and Somalia enjoy a profound traditional friendship, the embassy said. Any attempt to undermine or disrupt China-Somalia friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation will not succeed. The Chinese side will continue to work with Somalia to enhance practical cooperation across various sectors, consolidate and deepen traditional friendship, and advance the China-Somalia strategic partnership to achieve new progress.

Global Times