PLA Navy celebrates its 75th birthday

By Chen Zhuo

On April 23, 1949, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy was established in the town of Baimamiao, Taizhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province.

In the glorious history of the PLA Navy, there are many shining moments:

In 1985, the PLA Navy dispatched a fleet to make its first overseas visit.

In 2002, the PLA Navy finished its first global voyage.

In 2008, the first escort taskforce of the PLA Navy arrived in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia to escort Chinese and foreign vessels.

On September 25, 2012, China's first aircraft carrier the Liaoning was commissioned to the PLA Navy.

On April 12, 2018, the largest maritime parade in the history of the People's Republic of China was grandly held in the South China Sea, where President Xi Jinping inspected 48 warships, 76 fighter planes and over 10,000 troops.

On December 17, 2019, China's first domestically manufactured aircraft carrier the Shandong was commissioned to the PLA Navy.

In 2021, China dispatched new equipment, including the Type 055 guided-missile destroyer and Y-8 anti-submarine patrol aircraft, to participate in joint drills abroad for the first time.

On June 17, 2022, China's first catapult-equipped aircraft carrier was launched and named the Fujian.

In 2023, China's first Type 075 amphibious assault ship Hainan, embarked on a journey to the South China Sea, the western Pacific Ocean, and other maritime areas along with a naval task group, accomplishing its far-sea joint training mission.

In the new era, aircraft carriers, strategic nuclear submarines, 10,000-ton class destroyers, amphibious assault ships, and comprehensive supply ships have been intensively commissioned to the naval troops. Carrier-based fighters have been delivered in batches, while early warning aircraft and ship-borne helicopters have welcomed new-comers, and new type of anti-submarine patrol aircraft has enhanced the navy's capabilities in anti-submarine warfare.

Regular far-sea training and systematic training of aircraft carrier formations are being continuously promoted. The updated tracks symbolize the numerous breakthroughs in the development of combat capabilities of the PLA Navy. As of April 2024, PLA Navy vessels have paid over 100 visits to over 140 ports in over 90 countries across six continents. They have received over 340 visits from 37 countries and conducted over 60 joint training exercises with foreign military forces.

Assisting Indonesia in rescue operations, urgently sending relief supplies to the Kingdom of Tonga, and evacuating Chinese citizens from Sudan... Assuming more responsibilities is the eager expectation of the world for China's military, and is also a solemn commitment made by China's military to the international community.

Through multiple emergencies and tasks, the PLA Navy is promoting the concept of "a maritime community of shared future" with its practical actions, transforming the building of a community with a shared future for mankind from concept to action and reality.

Over the past 75 years, the PLA Navy has undergone groundbreaking changes. Originating from Baimamiao, it has never been as eye-catching as it is today. From small boats to giant ships, from near-shore to far-sea areas, and from individual combat to systematic combat, a modern navy led by the fourth generation of equipment and dominated by the third generation of equipment is taking shape. It is heading toward its goal of becoming a world-class navy.

"Strive to build the PLA Navy into a world-class navy in all aspects." Top commander's great call is gathering an unstoppable force for a brighter future. At a new historical starting point, naval troops will stand at the forefront, brave the wind and waves, move forward together with the world community, and keep pace with the times.

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