Officers and soldiers of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy mourn members of the navy killed during the First Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895, also known as the Jiawu War,in the port of Weihai, East China's Shandong province, Aug 27, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua] More photos >>

The People's Liberation Army navy held a memorial ceremony to mark the 120th year since the start of the First Sino-Japanese War, known in China as the Battle of Jiawu) on Wednesday, off the coast of Weihai, Shandong province.

At the sound of a steam whistle, officers and sailors, including the navy's chief commander Wu Shengli, stood in silent tribute on a naval supply ship. Soldiers spread white chrysanthemums and red Chinese roses on the waters,where China was defeated in 1894. Guns thundered a salute to those who died in the war.

Today's China has entered a new historical era and is unprecedentedly close to the center of world stage, but still faces a complicated international situation and increasing tension in our maritime territory, Wu said during the ceremony. He said it takes courage to rethink the past shame, and history reminds us that a country will not prosper without a developed military force.

It was the first time the Chinese navy has held an offshore memorial service for the Jianwu War. According to Wu, having the ceremony in the old battle waters is a way to remember the tragic history of the war and encourage China to build a stronger navy.

As part of the memorial activities, a seminar on the First Sino-Japanese war, attracting more than 150 historians and military experts, were to be held on the ship on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday.