Singapore and China Conclude Naval Drill
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the People's Liberation Army (Navy) (PLAN) concluded the inaugural Exercise Maritime Cooperation, a new bilateral naval exercise series on Tuesday (May 26).
The exercise 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, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said in a statement.
Singapore's Fleet commander Colonel Lew Chuen Hong highlighted the growth in professional interactions between the two navies at the opening ceremony, saying both navies can learn from each other and deepen professional knowledge to strengthen mutual trust and mutual understanding.
Commander of China's South Sea Fleet Rear Admiral (RADM) Shen Jinlong said that Exercise Maritime Cooperation reflects common goals and beliefs of the two navies, and is a new achievement of the exchanges and interactions between the two navies.
Chinese missile frigate Yulin, Singapore's Formidable-class frigate (RSS Intrepid) and Victory-class missile corvette (RSS Valiant) participated in the bilateral maritime exercise.
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, and maintains the positive momentum achieved under the Four-Point Consensus agreed between Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and Chinese Minister of National Defense General Chang Wanquan during Dr Ng's visit to China in November 2014.
The introduction of this new bilateral naval exercise series underscores the warm and growing ties between the two countries. Such exercises promote mutual trust, enhance the interoperability between the RSN and PLA(N), and also provide good opportunities to deepen people-to-people ties and friendship.
