April 23rd, 1949 is a celebrated day in modern Chinese history. On that day, the first PLA Navy branch was established. At that time, the PLA Navy consisted largely of ships and boats captured from the Kuomintang forces. 

Since then, China has developed from a backward inland nation into a regional maritime power. Especially after reform and opening up, China's industrial base has grown, the country's economic strength has increased, and its scientific capabilities have boomed. 

The PLA Navy is growing faster than China's other military services. By all standards, now, on its 70th anniversary, China's Navy is the second largest and most powerful in the world. 

What are the highlights of current developments? Robert Lawrence Kuhn discusses this issue with Rear Admiral Yin Zhuo, Director of the PLA Navy information expert committee.

According to Yin Zhuo, the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has embarked on a fast track after the 18th CPC National Congress, with aircraft carriers joining the force, in particular the Liaoning (CV-16) that is already in service. In addition, China's domestically built carrier CV-17 is undergoing sea trials. Aircraft carriers are now the centerpiece of PLA Naval forces, plus amphibious assault ships and nuclear-powered submarines, which are defining features of a great maritime power.

Yin Zhuo adds that aircraft carriers demonstrate enhanced blue water combat capabilities. China used to espouse "offshore water defense", but has shifted to a combination of "offshore water defense" and "open sea protection", which is the mark of a great maritime power and fulfills President Xi Jinping's requirement of building a world class army. The PLA Navy is working hard in that direction.