PLA Navy's 70th birthday shows how far it has come

The Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy turned 70 on Tuesday. It is a time for reflecting on its beginning and how over the past seven decades it has overcome numerous difficulties to grow into a modern naval force. It is also a time when the country's resolve to build the PLA Navy into a world-class force can be consolidated.

As a major Pacific country that has more than 18,000 kilometers of coastlines, China needs a capable naval force that can timely and effectively respond to challenges and risks, especially now it is opening its door wider to the outside world.

The PLA Navy is increasingly being looked upon as an indispensable force to defend the country's interests and protect its nationals' personal safety and property overseas.