China has pledged to make an all out effort to rescue a cargo ship hijacked by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean with 25 crew members on board.
The De Xin Hai was seized early on Monday about 1100km east of the Somali coast.
The BBC reports the hijacking is believed to be the first between the Seychelles and Maldives, a sign that pirates have expanded the reach of their operations.
The De Xin Hai, owned by the Qingdao Ocean Shipping Company, was transporting coal from South Africa to India.
In Beijing, the Foreign Ministry said China would make "all-out efforts to rescue the hijacked ship and personnel".
Spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said China had "actively started rescue operations" for the ship. No details were given.
Other Chinese ships have been ordered to stay away from the area "in case of accident or danger."
China sent three warships to the region late last year to help guard against pirate attacks.
Monday's hijacking brings to six the total number of vessels currently in the hands of Somali pirates.
