Multinational naval activities ongoing in E China's Qingdao

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Eastern China's port city of Qingdao is the site of multinational naval activities commemorating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army Navy. Several events Wednesday welcomed international navies and civilians alike.

The Sampan race was first held in the city's Olympic Sailing Center.

Seven countries participated, including China, Japan and the Philippines. After the fleet review Tuesday, they began various other events to promote understanding among each other.

A Japanese team member said that it is important to make friendship with other countries.

"Participating within such a great event with such great competition with other navies, I think it is a great learning experience for the Indian navy," an Indian solider commented.

Racers say the event is more about fun than competition. And it's a chance for the different navies to exchange happiness.

But the Sampan race is only one of the multinational navy activities. There are more events and even some for the participation of civilians.

Navy sailors from different countries exchanged their clothes and took photos together after a sampan race in Qingdao, China, April 24, 2019. /CGTN photo

At the port of Qingdao, nearly a dozen international navy vessels and three Chinese warships are open to the public. The last event like this was 10 years ago. This time, visitors are fascinated.

Another visitor said she is so glad to see international navies come to the city to celebrate the PLA Navy.

More than 10 international navy vessels anchored in the port of Qingdao were open to the public from April 24 to 25. /CGTN photo

"I visited some Russian vessels and was so glad to get aboard our destroyer Shijiazhuang," a visitor said.

"It shows our confidence, as well as the common wish for communication and maintaining world and regional peace together," she said.

International navies join sports games during the navy festival in Qingdao, China, April 24, 2019. /CGTN Photo

With various activities scheduled for the navy festival, participants appear happy to pursue common ideas.

The multinational navy activities officially began on Monday evening, and will last till Thursday, with 13 countries participating.