China confirmed today that it will send naval ships to waters off Somalia to protect against pirates that have attacked 20 percent of its vessel traffic this year, the Foreign Ministry said.

In the first 11 months, 1,265 Chinese commercial ships passed through Somali waters, or about three to four a day, a fifth of which were assaulted by pirates, according to Liu Jianchao, a spokesman for the ministry.

“Piracy has become a serious threat to shipping, trade and safety on the seas,” Liu told reporters at a regular press briefing in Beijing. “That’s why we decided to send naval ships to crack down on piracy.”

Liu declined to provide further details, saying preparations are under way and information will be released at a later date.

The United Nations Security Council earlier this week voted 15-0 to adopt a U.S.-drafted text that permits all nations and regional organizations — with the consent of Somalia’s provisional government — to “take all necessary measures that are appropriate” to deter piracy.

Bloomberg.com: Asia