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.