China to showcase naval power with parade at sea

SUMMARY

Two Indian battle ships, including the biggest indigenously built stealth destroyer INS Kolkata, have arrived at the port city of Qingdao to take part in the Chinese Navy’s fleet review while the Pakistan naval ships will be conspicuous by their absence at the event. China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is celebrating its 70th founding anniversary on April 23 with a grand fleet review. Ten countries, including India, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam, will deploy 20 vessels to join a naval parade.INS Kolkata, which is the first of a new class of three destroyers built by India, is accompanied by tanker INS Shakti, a fleet support ship, to take part in the event.

By APApr 22, 2019 6:12:48 PM IST (Published)

Chinese sailors sit before the start of a concert featuring Chinese and foreign military bands in Qingdao, Monday, April 22, 2019. Ships from Chinese and foreign navies have gathered in Qingdao for events this week, including a naval parade, to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Spectators watch a concert featuring Chinese and foreign military bands in Qingdao, Monday, April 22, 2019. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

A Chinese navy singer performs during a concert featuring Chinese and foreign military bands in Qingdao, Monday, April 22, 2019. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Spectators watch a concert featuring Chinese and foreign military bands in Qingdao, Monday, April 22, 2019. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

A Chinese military dance troupe performs during a concert featuring Chinese and foreign military bands in Qingdao, Monday, April 22, 2019. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Dancers in Uighur outfits perform during a concert featuring Chinese and foreign military bands in Qingdao, Monday, April 22, 2019. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

A military band from Thailand performs during a concert featuring Chinese and foreign military bands in Qingdao, Monday, April 22, 2019. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

A military band from Vietnam performs during a concert featuring Chinese and foreign military bands in Qingdao, Monday, April 22, 2019. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

A military band from Bangladesh performs during a concert featuring Chinese and foreign military bands in Qingdao, Monday, April 22, 2019. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Chinese sailors wave flags during a concert featuring Chinese and foreign military bands in Qingdao, Monday, April 22, 2019. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Chinese sailors sit during a concert featuring Chinese and foreign military bands in Qingdao, Monday, April 22, 2019. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

A military band from India performs during a concert featuring Chinese and foreign military bands in Qingdao, Monday, April 22, 2019. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)