Four major highlights of the Qingdao naval parade

I. Heavy-duty destroyers to make appearance

"Heavy-duty maritime combat vessels will take part in the maritime naval parade." Military expert Yin Zhuo said, we will be able to see heavy-duty destroyers such as the "Haikou" which just completed its escort missions in the Gulf of Aden.

"There is a world of difference between destroyers today and those of the past." Yin said, destroyers in the past were usually of 3,000 tons, which is even smaller than the frigates of today. "Today's large-scale naval vessels have tonnages of 6,000 to 7,000 tons."

II. Maritime naval parade

Maritime naval parades are divided into a maritime naval inspection and a maritime naval march.

In a naval inspection, all the naval vessels line up, and in the flagship the commanding officers and guests of honor pass in front of the inspected fleet, while the inspected naval vessels remain still.

During a maritime naval parade, the flag ship, the commanders and guests remain still, while the naval vessels pass in front of the flag ship in single or double columns.

"The upcoming parade will include both the review and the parade." Yin said, people will be able to see the naval vessels, the weaponry and the quality of training and military spirit of the Chinese Navy.

III. A variety of international naval contact etiquettes

"If two warships from different countries meet amicably at sea, they will either blow a whistle or toot, expressing respect for each other," Yin said.

A warship should fire a gun salute while entering a port. There are particular places for gun salutes in a warship, with one on both the larboard and starboard sides.

"Most of the Chinese naval 45mm gun salutes are double-barreled and double-banged." Yin said. The number of shots to be fired for a salute will vary according to different levels of reception. "For example, a 21-shot gun salute should be fired for welcoming a head of state."

IV. Warships from many countries to gather

"China has invited some high-ranking foreign naval commanders and dozens of warships from over 10 countries to participate in this maritime parade."

Yin noted that these officials can hold discussions on topics of unconventional threats to security, including piracy and drug trafficking. "They will have the opportunity to communicate on issues involving the long-term naval development," he said.