Chinese navy sees role further afield

Source: Xinhua | 04-23-2009 08:19

By Xinhua Writers Li Zhihui, Quan Xiaoshu, Zhu Xudong

BEIJING, April 22 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese navy is undergoing a transformation to protect the country and its maritime rights, experts said ahead of the 60th founding anniversary of the navy on Thursday.

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) kicks off a grand  maritime ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of its navy  at 6 p.m. Monday off the coast of the eastern city of  Qingdao,China's Shandong Province, April 20, 2009.  (Xinhua/Li Xuanliang)

The navy has been following the offshore defense strategy in the 1980s. A long coastline and developing sea-borne trade mean China needs to have a strong blue-water presence, said Zhuang Congyong, a researcher with the Naval Command Academy (NCA) of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).

"Nowadays, threats to China's maritime safety and development include maritime terrorism, pirates, international crime and other unconventional challenges. It is the sacred responsibility of our armed forces to protect our sea territory and to maintain our maritime rights and interests."