The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy is hosting the International Army Games for the first time since their 2014 inception.（Photo：CGTN)

Practice makes perfect. Dai Xin and his fellow marines endured weeks of intensive training ahead of the Seaborne Assault contest at the 2018 International Army Games. After three years of being a Chinese marine, he says he will do his very best in the competition.

Dai told CGTN that this is his second time attending the Seaborne Assault contest. Compared with last year, this year's marine corps from every country are stronger and they all performed better.

Hundreds of marines from five countries have come to compete. Kong Jun, commander of Chinese Marine Corps, told CGTN that through these kinds of army exchange activities, Chinese soldiers will learn from other armies, and keep improving their tactical and professional skills.

Blue-water training has become routine, and joint operational missions have stepped up.

Liao Xiangquan, political commissar of Changchun missile destroyer, told CGTN that after enlisting in the Chinese Navy five years ago, the Changchun vessel has visited 26 countries, conducted joint drills with armies from 17 of them, and also participated in the 17th escort mission in the Gulf of Aden.

August 1 marks China's Army Day, where certain sites are open to the public, including Chinese navy vessels. 

Resident Chen Yang in Quanzhou, east China's Fujian Province, told CGTN that she used to think the Chinese Navy was very mysterious. But after today's tour, she feels the Navy soldiers are very cool and become closer to ordinary people. She believes that the Chinese Navy is becoming stronger.

A participant from the Russian Marine told CGTN that they feel very satisfied with the environment and equipment on those Chinese vessels after the tour. Since China and Russia are shouldering more responsibility in the sea, they hope the two navies will have more exchanges and cooperation.

As China becomes more of a major maritime power with a strong and modern navy force, Dai Xin says he feels very fortunate to be part of the history, and that the call of duty will make him sail further.