Xi Talks Peace as China's Navy Celebrates 70 Years

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for concerted efforts to safeguard maritime peace and build a maritime community with a shared future on Tuesday during a multi-national naval event marking the 70th founding anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.

China pursues a national defense policy that is defensive in nature and champions new thinking on common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, he said. "The peace-loving Chinese people long for peace and will unswervingly stay on the path of peaceful development." 

The reason why China proposed jointly building the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Xi said, is to facilitate maritime connectivity and the development of the "blue economy," as well as to promote the integration of maritime cultures and to improve maritime well-being.

"The Chinese armed forces are willing to work with their foreign counterparts to actively contribute to maritime development and prosperity," Xi said.

Xi also said that the Chinese PLA Navy will continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with foreign navies, actively shoulder its international responsibilities, safeguard the security of international waterways and provide more public goods for maritime security.

Xi called for more and better consultation when there is an issue, instead of resorting to violence or threatening violence. All countries should consult as equals, improve the mechanism for communication in face of crises, strengthen regional security cooperation, and promote the proper solution to maritime disputes, according to Xi.

The four-day multi-national naval events commemorating the 70th anniversary will include a naval parade, high-level seminars and cultural and sports exchanges. Navy delegations from more than 60 countries have arrived for the activities.