The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy is hosting an open-day event in multiple coastal cities including the eastern city of Qingdao to mark the 75th anniversary of its founding on April 23.
From April 20 to 24, the public has the opportunity to board several Navy vessels, including missile destroyers Guiyang, Shijiazhuang and Kaifeng, missile frigate Handan, supply ship Kekexilihu, and submarine rescue vessel Hongzehu at the pier 3 and the Qingdao International Sailing Center pier. Most of the vessels have been involved in major international missions such as escort mission in the Gulf of Aden, overseas port visits and joint exercises.
Visitors can also engage with navy personnel during the event.
"The public's enthusiasm for the PLA Navy and ships is beyond my imagination. People’s love for the Navy is beyond my imagination. At the same time, their support for the PLA Navy also gives us more confidence in our future development," said Che Fengsheng, a sailor of Shijiazhuang Destroyer.
The open-day event coincides with the ongoing Western Pacific Naval Symposium starting Sunday, a four-day gathering of naval officials from 29 countries, including the U.S. and Russia.
"The international society has recognized both the power and the Chinese behavior [of the Chinese Navy]. The PLA Navy has carried out international missions to shoulder the international responsibilities," said Zhang Junshe, a military expert.
The symposium will cover a wide range of topics from the Global Security Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2022 and maritime order to international law and global maritime governance.
"Security is the precondition of our development, and the development is the first priority for all the countries in the region. Asia has been peaceful for many years, and this is conducive to the development of all countries in this region. So we attach great importance to peace," Zhang said.
Apart from Qingdao, similar open-day activities are also taking place at Navy barracks in other cities like Dalian, Yantai, Shanghai, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Zhanjiang, Haikou and Sanya in east and south China.
Chinese Navy holds open-day event at coastal ports to mark founding anniversary
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
