Singapore and China conclude inaugural bilateral naval exercise

A PLA(N) officer (right, standing) observing the conduct of the Air Defence component of Exercise Maritime Cooperation in the Combat Information Centre of RSS Intrepid. The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the People's Liberation Army (Navy) (PLA
A PLA(N) officer (right, standing) observing the conduct of the Air Defence component of Exercise Maritime Cooperation in the Combat Information Centre of RSS Intrepid. The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the People's Liberation Army (Navy) (PLA[N]) concluded the inaugural Exercise Maritime Cooperation, a new bilateral naval exercise series on Tuesday. -- PHOTO: FACEBOOK/ DEFENCE MINISTER NG ENG HEN

SINGAPORE - The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the People's Liberation Army (Navy) (PLA[N]) 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.

The four-day exercise, which took place on May 20 and 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(N)'s Jiangkai II-class frigate (Yulin), Mindef said.

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Speaking at the opening ceremony of the exercise, RSN Fleet Commander Colonel (COL) Lew Chuen Hong highlighted the growth in professional interactions between the two navies. He said that both the navies can learn from each other and deepen professional knowledge to strengthen mutual trust and understanding.

The ceremony was co-officiated by COL Lew and PLA(N) Commander South Sea Fleet Rear Admiral (RADM) Shen Jinlong.

RADM Shen 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. Mindef said that 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 to strengthen bilateral relations.

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