Singapore, China conclude inaugural bilateral naval exercise

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) concluded the inaugural Exercise Maritime Cooperation, a new bilateral naval exercise series, earlier today.

The exercise, which took place on May 20 and from May 23 to 25, involved the RSN's Formidable-class frigate (RSS Intrepid) and Victory-class missile corvette (RSS Valiant), as well as the PLA Navy's Jiangkai II-class frigate (Yulin).

It comprised conventional naval warfare serials such as gunnery firings and manoeuvring drills. Personnel from the two navies also engaged in exercise planning and combined simulator training ashore.

At the opening ceremony on May 20, RSN Fleet Commander Colonel Lew Chuen Hong highlighted the growth in professional interactions between the RSN and PLA Navy.

Both navies can learn from each other and deepen professional knowledge to strengthen mutual trust and understanding, he said.

Rear Admiral Shen Jinlong, Commander of the PLA Navy's South Sea Fleet, who co-officiated the opening ceremony with Colonel Lew, added: "Exercise Maritime Cooperation reflects our common goals and beliefs, and is a new achievement of the exchanges and interactions between both our navies."

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Singapore-China diplomatic ties.

Exercise Maritime Cooperation is a milestone in the bilateral defence relationship, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement today.

It also maintains the positive momentum achieved under the Four-Point Consensus agreed between Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and Chinese Minister of National Defence General Chang Wanquan during Dr Ng's visit to China in November last year.

huizhen@sph.com.sg