Free Republic

QINGDAO, China – As China prepares to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of its People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy on Thursday, its normally secretive military has taken the unprecedented step of showcasing some of its best vessels and naval weaponry. On Wednesday, sailors from China and 14 other countries with naval ships participating in the international fleet review off the coast of Qingdao – including the United States – took turns visiting one another’s vessels. We chanced upon the Commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet, Vice Adm. John Bird, who had just emerged from a Chinese submarine. "It’s...

China to display nuclear submarines in Qingdao fleet parade www.chinaview.cn 2009-04-21 01:05:44 QINGDAO, April 20 (Xinhua) -- China will display its nuclear powered submarines for the first time in history during a fleet parade to mark the 60th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army Navy, a senior navy officer said here Monday. Ding Yiping, deputy commander of the PLA Navy, made the remarks during an exclusive interview with Xinhua, but did not disclose any further details about the submarines. "It is not a secret that China has nuclear submarines, which are key to safeguarding our country's national security," Ding said,...

Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) destroyer Ishikari blasts off an anti-submarine rocket during a rehearsal ahead of next Sunday's naval fleet review, at Sagami Bay off Yokohama October 22, 2006. Japan plans to monitor ships heading to North Korea in waters off its western and southern coasts following the U.N. resolution to punish Pyongyang for its nuclear test, a newspaper reported on Sunday. REUTERS/Issei Kato (JAPAN) Reuters - Oct 22 1:04 AM Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) Aegis ship Choukai (C) leads the MSDF fleet as a Japanese naval flag flutters during a rehearsal ahead of next Sunday's naval...