BEIJING -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy will continue escort missions, a long-term task, Yang Yujun, spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense (MOD) said at a press briefing on Thursday.

China will continue to play its role in maintaining regional stability and safeguarding vital marine routes.

Yang made the remarks when responding to reporters' question on the resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia this year.

On April 15, Frigate Hengyang of China's 25th convoy fleet rescued a Panamanian ship that was being attacked by pirates in the Gulf of Aden.

The Chinese navy also freed a Tuvalu-registered vessel that had been boarded by pirates in the Gulf of Aden on April 9.

Since Dec. 2008, the Chinese fleet has escorted more than 6,000 ships through the area and have rescued or assisted more than 60 ships.