Naval parade marking Chinese navy anniversary to be held on April 23

A naval parade commemorating the 70th founding anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy will be held in Qingdao and nearby sea areas and airspace on April 23, a senior navy officer said Saturday.

China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, and latest nuclear submarines, destroyers and fighter jets will join the parade, Qiu Yanpeng, deputy commander of the PLA Navy, told a press conference.

"Some vessels will make their debut for the first time," Qiu said.

Altogether 32 Chinese vessels and 39 warplanes will take part in the event, according to Qiu. 

Over 10 countries, including Russia, Thailand, Vietnam and India, will send nearly 20 vessels to join a naval parade, Qiu said.

More than 60 countries will send delegations to join multinational naval events marking the anniversary, and over 30 countries among them will send major navy leaders to participate, according to Qiu.