Editorial | Navy’s anniversary carried a complex message

Pageantry is an inevitable part of a military anniversary. But the celebration of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy 70 years ago was bound to also have a complex message. Commander-in-chief and president, Xi Jinping, overseeing the parade off the port city of Qingdao, spoke of peace and cooperation, the vessels on show presented a modern and capable maritime force, and the involvement of warships from more than a dozen countries was about friendship and diplomacy. The event was in keeping with China’s pledge to the world about its rise – its defence forces need to be strengthened for the sake of national security and to help advance global stability and development.

China’s growing naval might is the country’s most visible sign of its military expansion. The 32 PLA warships on show included the aircraft carrier Liaoning and the country’s latest destroyers and submarines. But it was a comparatively muted display compared to one off the southern island of Hainan last year, a decision reflected in Xi’s speech. He said Beijing would work hand in hand with friends and rivals alike and urged the world’s navies to cooperate to promote dialogue and ensure peace at sea. With some regional neighbours eyeing the evermore powerful vessels with concern, there is every reason to assuage worries.

Such feelings would seem to be largely mutual. While the United States Navy did not join, Japan and Vietnam, countries with territorial disputes with China, sent frigates. Also represented were India and Australia, presently not on the best of terms, along with vessels from nations with better relations, among them Russia, Singapore and Thailand. Such cooperation builds understanding and trust.

China’s 18,000km of coastline and expanding global interests require a modern, well-armed and equipped navy for security and protection. But the nation’s rise also means its forces have international obligations and thousands of anti-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean since 2008 and participation in humanitarian missions highlight the importance of its role. The anniversary is cause for celebration, but also to build on the goal of working together for peace and the common good.