Chinese use Molotov cocktails against Somali pirates

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Nine pirates armed with rocket launchers and heavy machineguns boarded the Zhenhua 4 cargo ship on Wednesday.

The pirates reached the deck of the ship, right, as the 30 Chinese crew locked themselves in the accommodation area.

Two warships and a Malaysian helicopter from the international force in the area came to their assistance during the four-hour stand-off.

The ship's captain, Peng Weiyuan, told Chinese TV that the crew used "water cannon, self-made incendiary bombs, beer bottles and other missiles to fight the pirates. Thirty minutes later, the pirates gestured to us for a ceasefire then the helicopter from the joint fleet came to our help."

A spokesman for China's foreign ministry said it "deeply appreciates the effective assistance". He added: "We have decided to send navy vessels to crack down on Somali pirates." Maritime sources said two destroyers and a supply ship will be part of the Chinese fleet.