Qingdao residents elated by PLA Navy celebration

From talks by guest speakers and social media posts to installation of banners and flower beds along the streets, residents of Qingdao in Shandong province say they are thrilled by their city hosting this week's multinational naval activities.

The event, running through Thursday in the port city and nearby waters, celebrates the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army Navy.

Qingdao has always had a close relationship with the development of the Navy, which has established many facilities here. The country's first naval aeronautical school was founded in the city in the early 1950s. The city also hosted the Navy's first submarine squadron and first destroyer squadron.

"Ports in Qingdao have favorable conditions for berthing different types of submarines and naval vessels and the Navy's North Sea Fleet is based here," Yin Zhuo, a senior researcher for the PLA Navy, told Xinhua News Agency on Monday.

"It is a modern city with beauty and openness, so it's easy to organize a series of multinational naval activities here."

Staff members of the Port of Qingdao were among the first Chinese to welcome foreign ships for the event. The port, which spruced up for the events, arranged for over 20 tugboats to help visiting vessels dock.

"Besides adding landscaping and festive decorations, we've also paid a lot of attention to details. For example, we just had new paving done so that it looks better because we will never have a second chance to give the foreign guests a first impression," said Li Fengli, chairman of Qingdao Port Group.

Local residents expressed deep affection for the Navy this week. Many went to May Fourth Square in the city's center to attend a joint military music show on Monday. Military bands from China, Thailand, India, Vietnam, Bangladesh and other nations gave performances.

"I was excited to see the live show, and I could not help but salute the naval servicemen," said Wang Xuguang, 30, a local resident who said his admiration for the Navy comes from his father, a former naval paratrooper with 30 years of service.

"My father has always been a model in my family, and his daily behavior sets a good example for us of promise and accomplishments," Wang said. "I am here to fulfill the wishes of my whole family."

On Tuesday, Zhanshan Neighborhood Office in the city's Shinan district invited dozens of residents to watch a TV broadcast of the naval sea parade. Residents said they were impressed by the Navy's combat strength.

"I am proud to see the new types of military equipment displayed in the naval parade and the Navy's destroyers, which have developed from the 1,000-ton level to the 10,000-ton level. Most of our country's military equipment has been manufactured independently! " said Liu Jing, 53, a retired naval officer.

Li Shoujing, 59, who lives in the city's Shibei district, spent 20 days on an oil painting to show his respect for the Navy.

The painting features China's first aircraft carrier, the CNS Liaoning, PLA honor guards and Qingdao's landmark buildings along the coast.

"I named the 100 centimeter by 70 centimeter painting Qihang, or 'Setting Sail', symbolizing the Navy's stepping into the new era," Li said.

On Wednesday and Thursday, some of the visiting vessels will be open to the public. It is expected that more than 10,000 locals will be able to go aboard.