China to present new warships
China will present its new warships including nuclear submarines and destroyers during a parade next week, as it marks 70 years since its navy’s founding, according to a senior commander. This is considered by many as an indication that China flexes its well-equipped military capabilities.
China will present its new warships including nuclear submarines and destroyers during a parade next week, as it marks 70 years since its navy’s founding, according to a senior commander. This is considered by many as an indication that China flexes its well-equipped military capabilities.
As Reuters reports, during March China Beijing revealed a target of 7.5% increase in defence spending for 2019, which is a slower rate than 2018, but still more than the Chinese economic growth goal.
Regarding the new warship, Deputy naval commander Qiu Yanpeng had informed that the parade will incorporate 32 vessels and 39 aircrafts.
These come a long way since China's first carrier, which was bought second-hand from Ukraine in 1998 and refitted in China. Currently, it is unsure if China’s second carrier, an as of yet unnamed ship developed and built in its entirety in China, will also participate.
However, about a dozen foreign navies will take part in the parade. In fact, it would include ships from Russia, Singapore, India, Thailand and Vietnam, despite the fact that the latter frequently complains of Chinese military activity in the disputed South China Sea.
Chinese navy ships have also taken part in international anti-piracy patrols off Somalia’s coast since late 2008.
Commenting on the occasion, Qiu Yanpeng stated that China's armed forces are not threatening anyone. He also added that China has experienced scares in its past and needs good defences.
What is more, he highlighted that China has nothing to hide, and invited foreign media to cover the naval parade and associated activities.
