In a modern era where peace, cooperation and development are the main tunes to march to, the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) plays a significant role in non-military missions involving anti-terrorism, disaster relief, peacekeeping and territorial defense.

Celebrating its 63rd birthday, the navy will continue to shoulder its responsibilities, opening itself to international non-military operations under the framework of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and establishing bilateral and multilateral relationships across the globe to safeguard the peace of our planet. This is a core principle and guideline of the navy's future development.

However, some foreign scholars argue that the PLA Navy's participation in international naval operations is to gain experience and build up a global naval force as capable as the US.

They also seized the opportunity to question the navy's recent refurbishing of an aircraftcarrier, which they believe is an integral part of a blue-water (high-seas) navy.

This is inaccurate however, because to form a blue-water naval fleet around an aircraft carrier requires not only enough battleships of that capacity, but also strong supporting units to sustain high-seas operations.

The PLA Navy doesn't have the ambition or resources to support costly blue-water warfare. Even if they recruited an aircraft carrier, it would only be used in combat against illegal pirate activity, and to defend China's territory.

In fact, in future the navy's main focus internationally will be escort missions.

China has won UNSC approval to send its fleet to carry out escort missions in the Gulf of Aden in response to requests from the Somali transitional government.

The PLA Navy operations have not only reinstated the authority of the UN over this region but also contributed to much needed peace and safety in the region.

This, in turn, benefited the navy both in terms of confidence and capability. From basic escort missions to joint operations with the air force to save endangered merchant vessels, the navy has become more competent in handling emergencies and more capable of exercising responsibility as a permanent member of the UNSC.

Apart from fulfilling its duty in the Gulf of Aden, the PLA Navy has been actively seeking opportunities to work with other countries on escort missions. They have conducted bilateral exchanges with the Combined Task Force 151, Japanese navy and the South Korean navy respectively, while holding joint anti-piracy naval exercises with the South Korean and Russian navies. These operations have contributed to the international effort against pirates.

Over the past three years, the PLA Navy has escorted vessels from over 50 countries, including Turkey, Singapore, Germany and Liberia.

The navy's outstanding actions, mobility and bravery have won the trust of these countries.

 It left them with an impression of an open and confident sea power, not only deepening relationships and mutual understanding, but also laying concrete foundations for future cooperation. Most importantly, it helped ease concerns agitated by the "China Threat" theory.

The PLA Navy has also been contributing to humanitarian aid with its hospital ships. The newly built hospital ship, "Peace Ark," has visited countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, the Seychelles, Trinidad and Tobago and Bangladesh in recent years to provide much needed medical services.

The PLA Navy's rise and development will only add strength to world peace and justice.

The navy seeks a harmonious relationship with the rest of the world, and will never hinder the safety or stability of any region.

The navy will stick to the principles of peaceful diplomacy, and hold true to its motto to "pursue joint development, set aside disputes and maintain sovereignty" when necessary.

The author is a Chinese naval expert based in Beijing. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn