The government is still assessing the possibility of sending warships to protect Taiwanese vessels in the waters off Somalia.

Mainland Affairs Council Deputy Chairman Chao Chien-min made the remarks on Thursday. Chao said Taiwanese ship operators have not made such a request. He also said most Taiwanese vessels sailing off Somalia are registered abroad.

Several Taiwanese fishing trawlers have been hijacked by Somali pirates in recent years. Currently several countries including the United States, China and Russia have sent warships to the waters off Somalia to protect their own and other vessels. China has also said Taiwanese ships may ask for Chinese escorts as they pass through the area.

In response, the Taiwanese government said it has not authorized its agencies to negotiate or accept the protection of Taiwanese vessels by the Chinese naval fleet.

China regards Taiwan as part of its territory, despite the fact that the two sides have been ruled separately for 60 years.