The Chinese Navy held a birthday party last week, and everybody came. Military observers from around the world attended the April 23 celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), held at the northern port city of Qingdao. The Chinese government put on a lavish display, showcasing 25 warships -- ranging from nuclear submarines to a modern amphibious assault craft to an enormous hospital ship -- along with 31 naval aircraft. Twenty-one ships from 14 foreign navies also joined the parade. The four-day commemoration included seminars on maritime security issues, a sampan race, and an at-sea fleet review of the ships in formation. President Hu Jintao presided over the offshore review in the waters of the Yellow Sea from the bridge of the Chinese destroyer Shijiazhuang. The ceremony, which marked the first public display of some of China's most advanced warships, was organized around the theme of promoting a "harmonious ocean." Hu told foreign guests that, "For now and in the future, China would never seek hegemony, nor would it turn to military expansion or arms races with other nations."
Global Insights: The Chinese Navy Throws a Party
