Nov. 10 (Bloomberg) -- China asked that it be given a lead role in coordinating international anti-piracy operations off Somalia, the South China Morning Post said, citing unidentified officials who attended a meeting of representatives of navies protecting sea lanes between Asia and Europe.

The meeting at the weekend was called at the request of China and confirmed the need for more warships to be sent to the area, the English-language newspaper reported today.

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Last Updated: November 9, 2009 16:54 EST