What signals does the PLA Navy parade send?

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During an inspection of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy on Thursday, chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) Xi Jinping emphasized the urgency of building a strong navy in today's world.

The voice came during Xi's inspection of the PLA Navy on board the Changsha destroyer in the South China Sea.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the CMC, takes a group photo with PLA Navy soldiers during an inspection in the South China Sea, April 12, 2018. /CCTV Photo

Professor Xu Hui, dean of International College of Defense Studies at the PLA National Defense University talked to CGTN about the significance of the navy drills and the importance of the modernization process for China's navy.

A total of 48 warships, 76 aircraft and over 10,000 officers and soldiers made up the largest navy parade in history. They were divided into seven maritime battle groups and 10 air combat formations, according to their duties and missions.

A series of new submarines, surface ships, combat aircraft, and China's aircraft carrier Liaoning, also appeared in the review.

As a large display of China's naval capabilities, Xu noted "the timing itself is very important." "Ten days later, it will be the 70th anniversary of Chinese navy founding," Xu added.

According to Xu, the display can also be interpreted as a demonstration to the world of the level of achievement in developing the navy.

The parade sends "a quite strong signal to the world that China has more confidence in developing its military and deterring the possible adversaries who have the intention to infringe upon our territory and sovereignty," said Xu.

A view of the PLA Navy parade in the South China Sea, April 12, 2018. /jz.81.cn Photo

As one of the world's major powers, Xu argues that the need is even greater for modernizing its navy, as China has to shoulder the responsibilities of providing maritime security and public goods.

Due to global interest, China requires a strong military, "especially the navy to protect its national interest throughout the world."

China has conducted dozens of operations such as joint exercises, anti-parallel operations and non-combatant evacuations in the past years.

In developing the navy, China will "have more confidence carrying out operations protecting the national interest, as well as providing public security goods in its domain," Xu concluded.