Chinese Ship Hijacked Near Somali Coast

A Chinese-owned fishing vessel with 18 crew members was hijacked off the northeastern coast of Somalia by its security guards and local armed men. The European Union's anti-piracy force confirmed the incident as armed robbery at sea. The ship, licensed to operate in Somali waters, has been moved between several locations, with unverified reports of a $5 million ransom demand. This incident highlights ongoing maritime security challenges in the region, despite a decline in piracy since 2011.