Preparations continue for the Qingdao fleet review to mark the 70th anniversary of the Founding of the People's Liberation Army Navy. As CGTN correspondent Han Bin reports, the multi-national event will not only showcase the PLA Navy's latest achievements in a challenging environment, but is also a platform for naval diplomacy.

When India's missile destroyer Kolkata arrived at Qingdao, it signaled normalized ties between the two navies. Relations had been strained over territorial disputes, and India's concerns with China's growing maritime power. The two sides resumed talks relating to maritime security last year.

CAPTAIN ADITYA HARA INS KOLKATA "Working on a common goal is a very important issue for us. Being here to Qingdao is a statement to that."

The participation of a Japanese warship also indicates a breakthrough in relations, though many uncertainties remain. Western maritime powers have decided not to take part. The US decision comes amid rising trade tensions with China. The US does not have any claims in the South China Sea, yet it has frequently challenged China's claims there with so-called freedom of navigation operations. 

And it has criticized China's moves in those waters. Beijing is using the 70th anniversary to reach out to its counterparts across the globe. The Chinese Navy stresses that its build up is not a threat to anyone, but a safeguard for peace. One aim of the activities in Qingdao is trust-building among the participants. China is presenting some of its best naval vessels for the fleet review, like the Type 052D destroyer Guiyang, which entered into service early this year.

ZHANG YUANXIANG, DEPUTY COMMISSAR PLANS GUIYANG "Through exchange activities, we display the disciplined image of the Chinese Navy and establish its role as a messenger of peace."

JIN YAMEI, CREW MEMBER PLANS GUIYANG "Peace can be maintained with foreign armies through exchanges and cooperation."

This 21st-century naval diplomacy takes the form of increased joint exercises at home and abroad, expanded visits farther offshore and the now decade-long commitment to the escort missions off the coast of Somalia

HAN BIN QINGDAO "Inviting in and going out, which has been used to describe China's foreign trade, can apply to the Chinese navy in its relations with foreign counterparts. But to change the skepticism in some quarters over its fast growth, the navy needs to take more concrete actions to show its commitment. Han Bin, CGTN, Qingdao."