Preparations continue for the Qingdao fleet review to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy. The multi-national event will not only showcase the PLA Navy's latest achievements in a challenging environment, but also is a platform for naval diplomacy.

A signal of normal ties

"Working on a common goal is a very important issue for us. Being here to Qingdao is a statement to that," Captain Aditya Hara, of Indian navy's INS Kolkata.

When Indian navy's Kolkata-class missile destroyer arrived at Qingdao, it signaled normalized ties between the two navies. Relations had been strained over territorial disputes, and India's concerns with China's growing maritime power. The two sides resumed talks relating to maritime security last year. 

The participation of a Japanese warship also indicates a breakthrough in relations, though many uncertainties remain.

Skepticism for PLAN growth

Western maritime powers have decided not to take part. The U.S. decision comes amid rising trade tensions with China. The U.S. does not have any claims in the South China Sea, yet it has frequently challenged China's claims there with so-called "freedom of navigation operations". And it has criticized China's moves in those waters.

Not a threat to anyone 

Beijing is using the PLA Navy's 70th anniversary celebrations to reach out to its counterparts across the globe. The Chinese navy stresses that its build-up is not a threat to anyone, but to safeguard peace. One aim of the Qingdao event is to build trust among the participants.

This 21st century naval diplomacy takes the form of increased joint exercises at home and abroad, expanded visits farther offshore and the now decade-long commitment to the escort missions off the coast of Somalia.