Tuesday's naval parade has attracted world attention to the rapid development of the PLA Navy. It's a showcase of China's best warships. The country is a leader in shipbuilding, outpacing much of the rest of the world.

From refitting and import, to manufacturing and export, China's shipbuilding capacity has surged. The industry is rapidly closing the gap with other powers, providing the solid foundation for the navy's leapfrog development.

An immense project 

We went to Shanghai Zhenhua, one of the world's leading port machinery companies, to see what's behind China's shipbuilding strength.  

"Although Zhenhua has not built warships, that the country has so many warships in service in such a short period of time truly reflects the steady increase of the industry's overall industrial and manufacturing level," says Li Ruixiang, chief economic manager of Zhenhua Heavy Industry Company.

China has many of the world's largest commercial shipbuilders, like Zhenhua. They are producing increasingly sophisticated ships and vast networks of ports, shipping lines, and trade links.

More vessels to navy

As the navy's position has been steadily rising, budget on research and production of new models of battleships, jets and submarines will rise, with a number of new vessels to be commissioned in the coming years. The navy's modernization has also boosted the national economy, and its technological breakthroughs will push scientific research and development.

But it's not just about money. One question out there is the massive maintenance. And while it takes time to optimize the structure of warships, it will take even longer for the navy to adapt to the new weaponry to raise its overall capabilities.