BEIJING, Dec.26 -- Today marks the 14th anniversary of the Chinese navy's participation in the escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia. During the 14 years on the high seas, the Chinese naval escort taskforces have created many breakthroughs, including the first escort operation, the first joint escort with foreign forces, the first armed rescue of hijacked merchant vessel, the first evacuation of Chinese and foreign citizens in war time.