Chinese navy shows off new warship in 70th anniversary parade
China celebrated the 70th anniversary of its navy on 23 April by showing off its growing fleet in a sea parade featuring a brand new guided-missile destroyer.
Under grey, foggy skies, Chinese President Xi Jinping stood on a warship to take the salute from 32 Chinese vessels, including submarines, and 39 planes off the eastern city of Qingdao. China also took the occasion to unveil the Nanchang, a 10,000-ton class guided-missile destroyer.
Ships from 13 other countries including Russia, Thailand, Vietnam and India also took part in the parade.
Vietnam and other countries in the region frequently complain about China's activities in the disputed South China Sea, where Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations.
Xi told foreign delegations attending the naval event that China would ‘unswervingly stay on the path of peaceful development,’ according to the official Xinhua news agency. All countries should promote ‘proper’ solutions to maritime disputes, Xi said.
Absent from the celebrations was the US Navy, which had said it would not participate. During similar celebrations a decade ago, the US sent missile destroyer the USS Fitzgerald, which joined an international fleet review.
China is racing to modernise its People's Liberation Army, with Xi calling for the country to have a ‘world-class’ military by mid-century. Its sole operational aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, is a repurposed Soviet ship bought from Ukraine which went into service in 2012.
Another domestically-made carrier is still undergoing sea tests to add more firepower to the naval fleet.
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs]()
Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
-
![Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027]()
Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027
The US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyer is a stealth ship originally designed to consist of a fleet of 32 but has been cut back to three. Conceived for a land-attack role, it is now being fitted with a hypersonic missile capability.
-
![US Coast Guard commissions first icebreaker acquired in the last 25 years]()
US Coast Guard commissions first icebreaker acquired in the last 25 years
The Cutter Storis officially entered service with the Branch on 10 August. The new capability will be operated from Juneau, Alaska.
-
![How powerful is the US fleet of nuclear submarines compared to Russian capabilities?]()
How powerful is the US fleet of nuclear submarines compared to Russian capabilities?
Although both countries still operate Cold War-era platforms, they possess capable nuclear-powered and armed submarines and are investing in the development of new, advanced capabilities.
-
![US Coast Guard to invest more than $5 billion in the Heritage Class Offshore Patrol Cutter]()
US Coast Guard to invest more than $5 billion in the Heritage Class Offshore Patrol Cutter
From FY2026 to FY2029, the OPC programme will receive funds from the Reconciliation Bill and the Coast Guard annual budget.
-
![Royal Australian Navy’s plan for fleet refresh continues in the face of headwinds]()
Royal Australian Navy’s plan for fleet refresh continues in the face of headwinds
Australia has selected the Mogami-class frigate from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to replace Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Anzac-class frigates. The decision has been made as the RAN pushes to introduce delayed offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), awaits criticised Hunter-class ships and lives in the shadow of threats to the Collins-class submarine replacement efforts.
