BEIJING, March 30 -- China has sent a naval fleet to help evacuate its nationals from conflict-ridden Yemen as the situation continues to get worse, the Ministry of National Defense announced on Monday.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet, which had been carrying out escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters, was dispatched for the evacuation on Sunday, according to the ministry.

The decision was made by the Chinese government in order to protect the safety of Chinese nationals and their property, a statement announcing the deployment said.