Russia's National Navy Day Parade Showcases Chinese Ships

On July 28, 2024 Russia celebrated Navy Day, a public holiday and an important day for the Russian Army, usually marked by celebrations and naval parades. According to the Russian state-affiliated RIA Novosti, "This celebration symbolizes the power and grandeur of the Russian fleet, its history and traditions, as well as the courage and heroism of the sailors."[1] In St. Petersburg, naval parades were held in the waters of the main bases of the Northern, Baltic, and Pacific fleets. Supreme Commander-in-Chief of Russia Vladimir Putin participated in the main naval parade in St. Petersburg. Notably this year, not only Russian Navy ships, but also ships from China, India and Algeria partook in the celebrations.

Two Chinese Ships In Vladivostok Navy Day Celebrations

On July 26, two ships of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy arrived in Russia's Vladivostok – the landing ship "Longhushan" and the training ship "Zheng He."[2] According China's Ministry of National Defence, the ships were conducting an "ocean-going cadet training" and goodwill visit mission to Russia. The ships participated in the Navy Day celebrations, then sailed away as "representatives of China, Chinese-funded institutions, and overseas students saw them off at the dock."[3]

The Chinese naval taskforce departs from the port of Vladivostok on July 30, 2024. (Source: Xinhua News/Zhong Diqian).

Saint Petersburg Parade Includes Chinese, Algerian, And Indian Vessels, Hosts Top Navy Officials From China, Myanmar

Russia's main naval parade took place in St. Petersburg, where the Admiralty building hosts the headquarters of the Russian Navy. This year, foreign ships also participated in the celebrations: the destroyer "Jiao Zuo" (type 052D) and the replenishment oiler "Hungu" (type 903A) of the Chinese Navy; the training ship "La Soummam" of Algeria; and the frigate "INS Tabar" of the Indian Navy. In total, twenty ships and boats, one submarine, four sailing vessels, and about 2.5 thousand servicemen participated in the parade.[4] In addition, the PLA's navy ships were opened to the public during the festivities.[5]

PLA ship in St. Petersburg port featuring banners in Russian and Chinese, reading: "Chinese-Russian friendship is growing stronger every day" (Source: Svyatoslav Akimov / RG).

The parade in St. Petersburg was also attended by distinguished guests: Commander of the PLA Navy, Admiral Hu Zhongming and Myanmar Chief of Naval Staff Htein Win. Both guests met with Russian Deputy Minister of Defence Colonel General Alexander Fomin.

The Russian Defence Ministry's statements on the occasion were rather brief.[6] The department limited itself to routine congratulations and praised China and Myanmar's military cooperation with Russia. President Putin addressed the foreign delegations, stating: "If military men, especially people with a special character – military seamen – gather, it is a very good sign. It is a sign that...  the gathered servicemen strive for peace, strive for cooperation, for mutual understanding. Water – rivers, seas, oceans – not only divide people, but also unite them, because they are where [people] interact."[7]