The Philippines' largest warship arrived in China on Monday to attend a naval parade, part of a goodwill visit as China extends the hand of friendship despite regional tensions and suspicions.

Beijing on Tuesday will mark 70 years since the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, where it will show off new warships including nuclear submarines and destroyers at a major review in the waters off the port city of Qingdao.

China says warships from about a dozen nations are also taking part - one diplomatic source with direct knowledge said it was 13 countries in total.

Manila's BRP Tarlac docked in Qingdao with a Malaysian frigate.

The Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam have sparred with China over competing claims in the South China Sea. All 3 countries are participating in the PLA event.

Other countries taking part are Japan; China's close friend Russia; US ally Australia; and India, which has been at odds with China over a disputed land border. With a report from Reuters

ANC, 22 April 2019