Celebrating Chinese Army Day: Chinese Navy more confident in sailing the deep sea

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August first marks Chinese Army Day. This year, it's the navy testing itself in the deepest of waters. China's fleet has stepped up its military exchanges overseas and encouraged more public visits. Wu Lei reports from the ongoing International Army Games in China's Fujian province.

Practice makes perfect.

DAI XIN and his fellow Marines endured weeks of intensive training ahead of the Seaborne Assault contest at the 2018 International Army Games.

After three years as a Chinese Marine, he says he will do his very best at this competition.

DAI XIN CHINESE MARINE CONTESTANT "This is my second time to attend this Seaborne Assault contest. Compared to last year, this time every country's marine corps is stronger and we all performed better."

The PLA Navy is hosting the International Army Games for the first time since their 2014 inception. Hundreds of marines from 5 countries have come to compete. The Chinese Navy believes the event helps marine soldiers tremendously.

KONG JUN CHINESE MARINE CORPS COMMANDER "Through these kinds of army exchange activities, our marine corps soldiers will learn from other armies, and keep improving their tactical and professional skills."

The last decade has seen a major shift for China's navy, from coastal defense to taking on greater responsibilities in the deep sea. Blue-water training has become routine, and joint operational missions have stepped up. As one of China's most advanced missile destroyers, the Changchun vessel conducted many important missions.

LIAO XIANGQUAN, POLITICAL COMMISSAR CHANGCHUN MISSILE DESTROYER, DONGHAI FLEET "Since joining the Chinese fleet five years ago, our vessel has visited 26 countries, conducted joint drills with armies from 17 of them, and even participated in the 17th escort mission in the Gulf of Aden."

The Changchun and three other Chinese navy vessels were open for contestants and the public to tour this week.

WU LEI CHANGCHUN MISSILE DESTROYER "It is really a great opportunity for the public to visit these Chinese Navy vessels. Many say, from international military exchanges to public visits by navy ships, the Chinese navy are becoming much more confident in sailing the deep ocean."

CHEN YANG QUANZHOU RESIDENT "I used to think the Chinese Navy was very mysterious. But after today's tour, I feel the Navy squads are very cool and close to us. I believe the navy is getting stronger."

RUSSIAN MARINE PARTICIPANT "We feel very satisfied with the environment and equipment on these Chinese vessels after the tour. China and Russia shoulder more responsibility in the global sea, so we hope the two navies can engage in more exchanges and cooperation."

As China becomes more of a major maritime power via a strong and modern navy force, Dai Xin says he feels very fortunate to be part of this history, and that the call of duty will make him sail further. Wu Lei, CGTN, Quanzhou, Fujian province.