The fleet review offers an opportunity for the world to know China better, says an article on the website www.eastday.com. Following is an excerpt:

The navy is the first and also the last and only battle line of guarding the safety of a nation. History is witness that a nation will be defeated without a mighty navy.

China's modern history is a history of shame and to some degree, Chinese navy's as well. Historical lessons have taught us that we must have a mighty country with a strong navy.

China has more than 18,000 kilometers of costal lines. It's an urgent problem for us to protect our marine rights in the sprawling seas and the construction of a powerful navy is of great importance for the safety of our nation and its economic development.

However, China is still a developing country with a relatively weak economic foundation. It still lags behind some advanced countries and there is a gap between the defense capacity of China's navy and the navies of advanced countries.

Recently, some people in the international community regarded China as a "threat to the world" and became quite uncomfortable with the growth of its navy. That's mainly because they have little understanding of China's history and its present situation.

The first ever multinational fleet review is in fact an exchange of skills. It's an opportunity for the world to have a better grasp of China and to know their Chinese counterpart better.

China's navy will not dominate the world, but in the meantime, it will not show its weakness. China's navy proves to the world that it has the capacity of defending its shores, conducting sea-borne rescues, escorting ships as well as supporting marine transportation and engineering.

The navy parade will make China develop a better relationship with the world and contribute to harmonious seas.

(China Daily April 24, 2009)