Confucius in Blue waters

The PLA (Peoples Liberation Armys) Navy deploying 2 destroyers and a supply ship in the Gulf of Aden is an interesting development. Traditionally the Chinese Navy has been focused on protecting the territorial interests and has not been deployed overseas (except for friendly nation visits and exercises) even during the Tsunami, when its archrival the Indian Navy was flexing its muscles around.The two Chinese destroyers - the Haikou and Wuhan carry on board special forces, guided missiles and helicopters and claims to be on a 3 month mission with clear objectives to protect Chinese merchant naval interest in these waters.No doubt there has been attacks on Chinese vessels by pirates and they have full justification on protecting there interests, but masquerading under this excuse is there a larger game plan.A few thoughts on the Chinese Navy1. The Chinese economic interest in the Middle East, Africa and South America (Chile) is forcing it to create a Blue water Navy. Is this the beginning of a creation of that?2. What happens in case of an incidence and vessels have to be repaired or dry docked? Will it berth in Pakistan (Gwadar)? Hence test out the possibilities of a future naval base there?3. Are they trying to check how well they can safe guard there interests at Gawadar, and hence a new route for essential supplies through Pakistan into China.4. Gain experience in long duration deployment, refueling, Helicopter/ Special Forces ops, etc.5. Are there trying to challenging the US navy’s superiority in international waters? 6. Try and neutralize the Indian Navy’s influence in the region.7. Reason for worry for Japan & South Korea, and how will they react?8. Can we expect a Japanese fleet very soon?9. Incredible increase in Naval Armament builds up with plans to build its own aircraft carrier. Is it a move from defensive to a offensive navy?10. Finally this seems to be part of the String of Pearls strategy to gain control over the region.The only good thing from this action is the pressure build up on the Somali nuisance.