China has suggested it might send naval forces to intercept a bulk carrier hijacked by Somali pirates, who are threatening to kill the ship's 25 crew members.

As seasonal monsoons taper off, Somali pirate activity can be expected to increase in coming weeks.

The European Union is moving surveillance aircraft to expand its monitoring capabilities of the Indian Ocean.

Japan's deployment of two P-3C maritime surveillance aircraft to Djibouti is significant for both anti-piracy operations and the Japanese military.

This is the seventh in a series of monographs on the geopolitics of countries influential in world affairs. (With Stratfor maps)

So far in April, Somali pirates have hijacked more oceangoing vessels than ever in any one month, but it may not mean a growing threat to maritime trade. (With STRATFOR map)

The recent string of ship hijackings has stirred conjecture about a link between the Somali pirates and al Qaeda. (With STRATFOR map)

It is no surprise that the dramatic rescue April 12 of a U.S. sea captain has done little to discourage Somali pirates. (With STRATFOR map)