As reported by Hindustan Times on April 7, conspicuous by its absence will be the Pakistan navy, which hasn’t dispatched any warship for the event that includes an international fleet review to be inspected by President Xi Jinping on April 23. “Participation by the Indian Navy in the PLA Navy IFR is part of the efforts towards deepening the military-to-military relations between India and China, which is in keeping with the strategic guidance provided by the leaders of both countries,” the Indian embassy said in a statement. “It is anticipated that the PLA Navy IFR will further this ongoing process of enhancing mutual trust and understanding. China’s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, and latest nuclear submarines, destroyers and fighter jets will join the parade, Qiu Yanpeng, deputy commander of the PLA Navy, told a press conference in Qingdao. Altogether 32 Chinese vessels and 39 warplanes will take part in the event, Qiu added.

Source: Hindustan Times April 21, 2019 10:07 UTC