PLA Navy to open Type 075 amphibious assault ship, others to public at founding ...

The amphibious assault ship Hainan attached to a landing ship detachment affiliated with the navy of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command participates in a maritime combat exercise at an undisclosed area in the South China Sea in early 2023. (Photo/Screenshot from the Weibo account of the PLA Daily)

Over 30 active Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessels will be opened to the public in late April to mark the founding anniversary of the naval force. This will be the greatest numbers and types of vessels that have ever participated in a PLA Navy open-house event, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Many types of vessels were made accessible to the public for the first time, according to China Bugle, the official account of the PLA News Media Center.

April 23 marks the 76th founding anniversary of the PLA Navy. 

The Type 075 amphibious assault ship, the Type 071 amphibious transport dock, the Type 052C/D guided missile destroyers, the Type 054A guided missile frigate,  the Type 056A guided-missile corvette, the Type 903 comprehensive replenishment ship and the Type 22 missile boat will be among the active combat vessels on display, many of which have taken part in major missions such as escort services in the Gulf of Aden, official overseas visits and joint military exercises, according to Xinhua.

In the days surrounding April 23, people in more than 10 coastal Chinese cities, including Qinhuangdao, North China’s Hebei Province, East China’s Shanghai and Guangzhou, South China’s Guangdong Province, will have the opportunity to board these vessels, interact with members of the Navy and experience naval culture, according to Xinhua. 

A number of naval aviation bases and military ports will also be opened to the public, Xinhua reported.

Additionally, activities such as flag-raising ceremonies, military band performances, outdoor themed light exhibitions, and other events will be held to help the public learn about the PLA Navy and strengthen national defense education, according to Xinhua.