Photo taken on Dec. 25, 2008 shows the Chinese Navy's supply ship Weishanhu in Sanya, capital of South China's Hainan Province. The Chinese Navy's three-ship fleet awaiting sail to waters off Somalia has finished its preparations for the overseas deployment, the fleet commander said Thursday. [Xinhua]

Having a displacement of 23,000 tonnes and maximum speed of 19 knots, Weishanhu is the biggest homemade multi-product replenishment ship. Although its primary role is supply, it can also defend itself and take part in offensive operations using its eight 37mm guns.

All three warships belong to the South China Sea Fleet, headquartered in Zhanjiang of Guangdong Province.

The task force commander is Real-Admiral Du Jingchen, who serves as chief of staff of the South China Sea Fleet.

En route to the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia, the commander told Xinhua that the expedition has not been given any landing plans and Chinese warships will not accept assignment from other countries or regional organizations.

"But we will exchange information with other country's escort ships and provide humanitarian help in our power to foreign vessels in danger," Du said.