Singapore and China hold joint naval exercises

"The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) conducts regular bilateral and multilateral exercises with foreign navies as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance mutual trust and cooperation with other countries," MINDEF said in response to media queries.

The Singapore Navy and the People's Liberation Army Navy of China conducted a joint exercise in the southern part of the South China Sea on February 25, 2021. Photo: MINDEF

MINDEF said the exercise included both shore and sea phases, involving the RSN's Formidable-class frigate RSS Intrepid and Bedok-class mine countermeasures vessel RSS Punggol.

China's Defense Ministry said in a statement on its website that the Chinese navy will deploy a Yulin missile frigate and a Chibi minehunter.

"The exercise highlights the warm and friendly bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and China, and enhances mutual trust, understanding and people-to-people ties between the SAF (Singapore Armed Forces) and the PLA (People's Liberation Army)," MINDEF said.

"In addition to bilateral exercises, the two armed forces also regularly interact through high-level exchanges, mutual visits, cross-course attendance and port visits," the statement added.

Two years ago, China and Singapore held a combined military exercise in international waters at the southern tip of the South China Sea, after upgrading their bilateral defense pact in 2019 to include larger-scale exercises between their armies, navies and air forces.

Singapore regularly conducts exercises with countries in the region and around the world. In March, the SAF concluded the large-scale Cobra Gold exercise in Thailand. This is one of the largest multinational exercises in the Asia-Pacific region.

Mai Anh (according to CNA)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/singapore-va-trung-quoc-sap-tap-tran-hai-quan-chung-post245138.html