Naval review may be held in April

By Li Xinran  |   2009-1-21  |     ONLINE EDITION

CHINA may hold a naval review in April off the coast of Qingdao City, Shandong Province, Xinhua news agency's Website said, citing Hong Kong-based Ming Pao and Singapore-based Lianhe Zaobao newspaper.

The People's Liberation Army Navy was founded on April 23, 1949, and this year's review might be held on the 60th anniversary of its establishment.

Three Chinese warships on an escort mission in Somalia would return to China on March 25 and be able to participate in the review, the report said.

The Navy has not confirmed the review will be held.

Two Chinese naval ships took part in a naval fleet review held by the Republic of Korea on October 12 to celebrate the establishment of the country's navy. A total of 24 naval vessels from 12 countries, including Russia and the United States, participated in the review at Busan.

Two PLA Navy missile destroyers and a supply vessel set off on December 26 to carry out an anti-piracy operation off the coast of Somalia. It was the first time China dispatched warships on such a mission far from home.

China also revealed its defense spending for the first time and provided details of its nuclear deterrence strategy in a white paper yesterday.