Adam,

That is an interesting article, which reflects others awhile ago now on whether China would assert itself and protect its investments in Africa.

Plus the link shows it originated from the Hong Kong based South China Morning Post, at the end it acknowledges it first appeared as an ICG article.

China's long term record in Africa has been marred by poor performance, such as the first TanZam railway (since completely renovated) and Chinese traders in particular unsettled many communities - too competitive for them.

Why two PLAN ships should be significant eludes me. There is a regular PLAN deployment to the anti-piracy patrolling and if one looks deeper "showing the flag" visits.