Inaugural ASEAN-China Maritime Exercise Enhances Confidence and Practical Cooperation

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen exchanging a warm handshake with Vice President of the People's Liberation Army Academy of Military Science Lieutenant-General (LG) He Lei on the sidelines of the 17th Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD).

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen met with the Vice President of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Academy of Military Science Lieutenant-General (LG) He Lei today, on the sidelines of the 17th Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD). Dr Ng and LG He reaffirmed the strong bilateral defence relationship, with Dr Ng accepting LG He's invitation to this year's Xiangshan Forum in September 2018. 

LG He also conveyed his appreciation for the role that Singapore, as the ASEAN-China Country Coordinator and ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Chair, has played to improve defence ties between China and ASEAN. Both Dr Ng and LG He also welcomed the conduct of the inaugural ASEAN-China Maritime Exercise later this year, which would enhance trust, confidence, and friendship among ASEAN Member States' and Chinese navies. The exercise will be conducted in two phases, with the table-top exercise (TTX) scheduled to take place in Singapore in August 2018. The exercise will enhance practical cooperation, through focusing on useful and substantive areas such as the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES), Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC). 

Singapore and China share a warm and friendly bilateral defence relationship, which has progressed steadily over the years. In addition to high level interactions, the PLA and the Singapore Armed Forces interact regularly through port calls, bilateral exercises, exchanges of visits, and cross-attendance of courses.

LG He calling on Dr Ng (right) on the sidelines of the 17th SLD.