April 21, 2009

PLA begins navy´s 60th anniversary celebration

The Chinese People's Liberation Army has launched a grand maritime ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of its navy. The celebration took place off the coast of Qingdao in east China.

Monday's ceremony marked the start of four days of events, which include seminars, a sampan race and a fleet review. The celebration includes 21 foreign naval vessels from 14 countries, and delegations from 29 countries.

The opening ceremony ended with a show of fireworks. The PLA Navy was founded on April 23, 1949 with nine warships and 17 boats. Six decades later, it has developed into a modern maritime force.