President Xi reviews a naval parade in the city of Qingdao on Tuesday afternoon, April 23, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]

QINGDAO -- Chinese President and Central Military Commission Chairman Xi Jinping reviewed 18 vessels from 13 countries invited to participate in a naval parade marking the 70th founding anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy on Tuesday afternoon.

The foreign vessels in the waters off eastern China's coastal city of Qingdao saluted Xi, who was on board the destroyer Xining, in their traditional manners as they passed by.

The destroyer Xining sounded its horn to return the salute, and Xi waved to the naval officers and soldiers aboard the vessels.