Xi Jinping makes maritime peace call as Chinese navy powers up for 70th anniversary parade
- President urges naval forces around the world to work together to settle disputes
- No country can deal with all threats alone, China’s naval commander says
Chinese President Xi Jinping has launched a multinational parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the country’s navy with a call for nations not to threaten to use force against each other.
Nearly 20 warships from about a dozen countries – including Australia, Thailand, Singapore and Japan – are taking part in the parade with 32 Chinese vessels led by China’s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, in the Yellow Sea off eastern China’s Shandong province.
Addressing foreign naval officers in the port city of Qingdao on Tuesday, Xi urged maritime forces around the world to work together to promote dialogue and maintain peace at sea.
“Nations should use consultations to resolve matters, and should not easily resort to force or threats of force,” said Xi, who will inspect the vessels in the parade. “Nations should consult on an equal basis, improve crisis management mechanisms, step up regional security cooperation and push for proper settlement of maritime disputes.”
The parade is taking place as China is locked in maritime disputes with many of its neighbours, particularly those in Southeast Asia with competing claims over the South China Sea.