China on Thursday paraded its growing naval power, including previously unseen nuclear-powered submarines, in a military demonstration seen as a challenge to the US, the world’s leading maritime nation.

To mark the 60th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army Navy, a total of 52 Navy vessels and aircraft were shown taking part in manoeuvres off the eastern port of Qingdao. As naval delegations from 29 countries watched, president Hu Jintao also reviewed 21 foreign naval vessels.