Nuke subs highlight China naval festival

QINGDAO, China, April 21 (UPI) -- China says it will put its nuclear submarines on public display for the first time during a celebration this week that marks the founding of the Chinese navy.

Ding Yiping, deputy commander of the PLA Navy, announced Tuesday that nuclear subs would take part in a parade of warships Thursday off the city of Qingdao.

"It is not a secret that China has nuclear submarines, which are key to safeguarding our country's national security," Ding said.

While their existence may not be a secret, the Shanghai Daily said the festivities in Qingdao, marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of the PLA Navy in 1949, would be the first time the boats had ever been placed on public view.

The destroyer USS Fitzgerald will represent the United States in the review. Russia and a dozen other nations will also take part.