China handed over three suspected pirates, who were detained during a rescue mission, to the Somalian government on May 5, the Ministry of Defense said on Thursday.

On April 9, the missile frigate Yulin, part of the Chinese Navy's 25th convoy fleet, was sent to rescue the crew of the Tuvaluan freighter OS35 from pirates in the Gulf of Aden. The rescue mission was a success and the three suspects were detained, the ministry said.

After consulting with Somalia, the Navy returned the suspects in accordance with international laws and practices.

"The Chinese military will continue to organize and participate in escort missions, fulfilling its international duties and responsibilities, and play a bigger role in maintaining regional peace and ensuring the security of international waterways," the ministry said.

Chinese naval convoys first began missions in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia in January 2009. Since then, the country has sent 26 convoys through the region, with the most recent leaving on April 1.

Chinese convoys have escorted 6,337 ships, including 3,274 from other countries and international organizations, such as the World Food Programme. They have also rescued or aided more than 60 Chinese and foreign ships under attack from pirates in the region, according to the ministry's previous statements.