PLA Navy 70th anniversary: Foreign warships arrive in China

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‍Warships from Russia, Japan, the Republic of Korea and other Asian and European countries are docking at Qingdao port, east China's Shandong Province, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the PLA Navy.

At least 16 foreign warships will participate in the naval event, with most of these ships to arrive in Qingdao on Sunday.

The 09 offshore patrol vessel from the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), named Daruttaqwa, was the first to dock at around 08:30 a.m. BJT on Sunday, after the RSS Stalwart from Singapore reached the Chinese port two days ago.

Royal Brunei Navy's 09 offshore patrol vessel Daruttaqwa docks at Qingdao port, east China's Shandong Province, April 21, 2019. /CGTN Photo

We asked crew members how did they feel. In addition to delight, the soldiers from the tropical country also felt a bit cold wearing short navy suits.

The D63 destroyer INS Kolkata from India was the next arrival. The ship can be equipped with guided missiles and stealth technology. It's one of the best warships the South Asian country has ever commissioned.

Indian warship INS Kolkata stationed at Qingdao port, east China's Shandong Province, April 21, 2019. /CGTN Photo

Another Indian warship, Deepak-class fleet tanker INS Shakti, reached soon after INS Kolkata.

The Republic of Korea also joined the party with its Incheon-class frigate ROKS Gyeonggi (numbered 812). No Korean destroyer will come to Qingdao this time, according to the PLA Navy.

ROK's frigate ROKS Gyeonggi docks at Qingdao port, east China's Shandong Province, April 21, 2019. /CGTN Photo

Australian frigate HMAS Melbourne docked later in the morning with a red kangaroo "tatto" on its body. It's also equipped with a helicopter.

Japanese Akizuki-class destroyer Suzutsuki arrived at noon.

Suzutsuki arrives at Qingdao port, April 21, 2019. /CGTN Photo

The ships were safely docked and greeted by local navy officials and orchestra.

For more ships arriving in Qingdao, we at CGTN are preparing a photo gallery of all foreign warships. Please stay tuned for more coverage of the PLA Navy birthday event.

(Cover: Australian frigate HMAS Melbourne stationed at Qingdao port, east China's Shandong Province, April 21, 2019. )