All 21 nations attending the 2-day (April 21-22) Western Pacific Naval Symposium at Qingdao unanimously adopted a non-legally binding 'Code For Unplanned Encounters at Sea', after over 10 years of discussions. The Western Pacific Naval Symposium was first established in 1987. First proposed by Australia, the Code was objected to by China as it was supposed to be legally binding.

The Code includes a ban on the radar blocking of weaponry on vessels of other nations in peacetime. PLA Navy Chief Admiral Wu Shengli  described it as important to avoid misjudgement and called for candid communications among the militarize to manage differences. Harry Harris, US Commander of the Pacific Fleet said the Code is "an important step forward to reduce tension on the sea in the region". Katsutoshi Kawano, Chief of Staff of Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force said he is " very happy" with adoption of the Code.

The one day multi-national maritime exercise involving vessels from seven countries, including India, is being held today (April 23) at Qingdao to mark the 65th founding anniversary of the PLA Navy.