An international fleet review commenced on Thursday afternoon in waters off China's port city of Qingdao, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.

A total of 21 visiting naval vessels from 14 countries took part in the review with the rhythms of "March of the Review," a Chinese melody usually played for formal occasions. All the foreign ships flew their flags at full-staff.

The vessels lined up in a row in the order of combatant ships, landing craft, auxiliary ships and a sailing ship for training. In each category, the order was placed based on their tonnages.

(Xinhua News Agency April 23, 2009)