Chinese and Singaporean Navies Conduct Joint Exercise in the South China Sea

On Wednesday (Sep 22), the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy conducted joint maritime drills with the Republic of Singapore Navy in waters near Singapore, to increase mutual trust and cooperation between the two navies.

The participants from PLAN were Type 052D guided missile destroyer Hohhot, the Type 054A guided missile frigate Huangshan and the Type 903 comprehensive replenishment ship Luomahu, and the Singapore is represented by the Formidable-class frigates RSS Steadfast and RSS Supreme.

During the exercise, the warships practiced their navigation skills in different tactical formations and the organice helicopters conducted cross-deck landings.

Senior Captain Dong Renfeng, Chief of Staff of the PLA Navy Far Sea Training Task Force, said that the drill improved the professional communication between the two countries’ navies, enhanced mutual trust, deepened friendship and contributed to cooperation, the report mentioned.

A press release by Singapore’s Ministry of Defense released on Wednesday said the drills are regular passage exercises and these aim to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen friendship with foreign navies, enabling the Navy of the Republic of Singapore to keep ties warm with their counterparts, even amid the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

This is not the first joint drill between the two navies this year. China and Singapore held a combined naval exercise in the South China Sea in February.

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