People visit Chinese People"s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy ship Fuyang during an open-ship event in east China"s Shanghai, April 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

　　BEIJING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- On the 77th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People"s Liberation Army Navy, it is essential to recognize this force not merely for its development, but also for its important and growing role as a guardian of world peace and a provider of maritime public security services.

　　China has adhered to a path of peaceful development and a national defense policy that is defensive in nature, championing the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. Within this framework, the navy plays a vital role in maintaining maritime order and security.

　　In a turbulent world marked by intensifying geopolitical conflicts, the Chinese navy has consistently promoted peace, cooperation and friendship. This can be manifested by the concrete actions of the Chinese navy over the years.

　　One of the most notable examples is Chinese anti-piracy escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia. Since 2008, Chinese naval ships deployed to these regions have carried out regular protection operations, benefiting more than 7,300 Chinese and foreign ships. This underscores the role of the Chinese navy in protecting critical international trade routes.

　　Besides security operations, the Chinese navy has played an active part in international efforts aimed at emergency evacuations and disaster relief. For example, Chinese naval ships participated in evacuations of Chinese citizens and foreign nationals from some war-torn countries. They have also delivered aid to multiple countries hit by natural disasters.