On Thursday morning in the South China Sea, the Chinese Navy carried out its largest parade ever and it was reviewed by President Xi Jinping, according to the military.

The spectacular parade was held to mark the achievements made by the People's Liberation Army Navy over the past several years and to strengthen the armed forces' determination to build a strong country and a world-class military.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, reviewed the warships from onboard the CNS Changsha destroyer in waters off Hainan province's southern coast.

In his speech after the parade, the president said that a mighty navy is an important pillar to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, noting the Party and the Chinese people are proud of the PLA Navy.

Xi asked members of the navy to uphold the Party's leadership, deepen the military reform, enhance innovation in science and technology, develop new types of fighting forces, build modern naval warfare systems, and improve the capability to undertake diversified military operations.

He also ordered that the navy should continue to focus on combat training and keep on high alert to safeguard national interests and make more contributions to the peace and stability of the region and the world.

A vast armada consisting of 48 ships, including the CNS Liaoning aircraft carrier, took part in the unprecedented demonstration of the country's naval prowess. The vessels were mainly combat ships such as Type 052D guided-missile destroyers, Type 054A guided-missile frigates and Type 056 corvettes. Support vessels like the Type 901 replenishment ship and Type 920 hospital ship also participated.

Under the water, several submarines, including at least one nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, took part in the parade.

Up in the skies, 76 naval aircraft flew overhead past the ships and submarines. They included fighter jets, bombers and electronic warfare aircraft.

The last time the PLA Navy hosted a parade was in April 2009 when it celebrated its 60th birthday. Twenty-five Chinese ships and submarines, 31 Chinese naval aircraft as well as 21 vessels from 14 countries participated in the parade off the eastern coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province, which was reviewed by former president Hu Jintao.