Eighteen naval midshipmen from nine countries, including Australia, Germany and Italy, arrived in Dalian on June 24 to attend the Second International Naval Midshipmen Week.

Together with 34 counterparts from the Dalian Naval Academy, they will study and train as a common squadron in the academy.

"This is not only an opportunity to know China's navy and Chinese people, but also an opportunity to get to know the officers and midshipmen from other countries. Mutual understanding will lead to a more stable world," said Simone Ceotti from Italy's Livorno Naval Academy.

From June 25 to June 29, they will attend classes, have discussions, participate in the training and match of sampan and sailing boats, and have physical training. During the weekend, they will enjoy the views of Dalian before leaving this port city in Northeast China's Liaoning province.

Rear Admiral Li Jianjun, commissar of the Dalian Naval Academy, said the week's training aims to promote understanding, learning from each other and friendly cooperation and creating a better future.

The Dalian Naval Academy hosted the first international midshipmen week in 2009. Twenty-four midshipmen, including eight from other countries, attended the exchange program.

Known as the cradle of Chinese naval officers, the Dalian Naval Academy has seen more than 40,000 commanding and political officers graduate since its establishment in 1949. Nearly 200 of the graduates have been promoted to admirals or generals.