China's Ministry of Transport has started accepting escort requests from Chinese vessels for protection by two missile destroyers and a supply vessel, China Daily reported.

The mission to the gulf is China's first naval deployment on a potential combat mission beyond its territorial waters in recent history, analysts said. In addition to Chinese-flag ships, vessels from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan can also seek escorts from the warships, officials said.

Local media reports in Hong Kong indicated the Hong Kong Marine Department has submitted seven applications requesting protection for its ships off Somalia, China Daily said.