The crew of the Chinese navy's training ship Zheng He celebrated China's 20th Maritime Day on Friday with various themed events.
The occasion also marks the 620th anniversary of the maritime voyages of Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644AD) naval explorer Zheng He, after whom the ship is named.
The celebrations featured innovative maritime training sessions given by cadets from the National Defense University of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and newly appointed instructors from the Dalian Naval Academy of the PLA.
Aboard the training ship in the Yellow Sea, the cadets and crew members participated in various activities, including maritime knowledge competitions and hands-on navigation exercises, immersing themselves in nautical culture.
"I get to know the essence of maritime culture through this experience. I've personally witnessed the vital importance of a strong People's Liberation Army Navy to our nation, which has strengthened my sense of mission and responsibility in naval development," said Zhou Xiao, a trainee from the Dalian Naval Academy.
"This maritime training is not merely about skill exchange, but also cultural integration and spiritual heritage. The crew of Zheng He always remembers our mission to cultivate talent for the Communist Party of China (CPC) and forge commanders for combat. We uphold the spirit of opening-up, exploration as well as peace and cooperation, carrying forward our pioneering and creative spirit of 'striving to be the first' to strengthen our naval power," said Zhou Yang, an officer. The Chinese Navy Ship (CNS) Zheng He is the country's first domestically designed and built navigation training ship, recognized as the cradle of naval commanders. During its 38 years of service, it has trained over 40,000 naval officers for the Chinese PLA Navy, with its voyages spanning six continents and three oceans. The ship has completed solo circumnavigation missions, setting multiple records, and has been honored with the title of "Meritorious Training Ship."
China's naval training ship Zheng He marks Maritime Day with themed events
