Singapore and Chinese Navies Strengthen Maritime Cooperation in Maritime Bilateral Exercise

Commander First Flotilla, Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), Colonel Ng Kok Yeng Daniel (left) and Chief of Staff of Destroyer Flotilla, Southern Theatre Command, People's Liberation Army (Navy) PLA(N), Senior Captain Mei Leyang (right) exchanged plaques to commemorate the conclusion of Exercise Maritime Cooperation 2023 (XMC23).

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and People's Liberation Army (Navy) [PLA(N)] successfully concluded Exercise Maritime Cooperation, a bilateral maritime exercise held from 28 April to 1 May. RSN's Commander First Flotilla Colonel (COL) Ng Kok Yeng Daniel and PLA(N)'s Chief of Staff of Destroyer Flotilla Senior Captain Mei Leyang co-officiated the closing ceremony at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base (CNB) earlier today.

During the course of the exercise, personnel from both navies trained together in various competencies. During the shore phase, personnel engaged in joint planning exercises, professional exchanges and combined training at the Damage Control Trainer. During the sea phase, personnel participated in a range of serials, including helicopter cross-deck landing with the PLA(N) helicopter landing on the RSS Intrepid, gunnery firing, replenishment-at-sea approaches, search and rescue, simulated minefield transits, as well as communication and manoeuvring exercises.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, COL Ng said, "This exercise is an important milestone between our two navies. It marks the resumption of our exercises following the period of COVID-19 restrictions. Exercise Maritime Cooperation 2023 provided the valuable opportunity to learn from each other, strengthen our mutual trust and understanding." Senior Captain Mei Leyang also added that this exercise, "further promoted exchanges, strengthened cooperation and enhanced friendships."

Launched in 2015, Exercise Maritime Cooperation is in its second edition this year. The exercise underscores the warm and friendly bilateral defence relations between Singapore and China. Besides bilateral exercises, the two armed forces also interact regularly through high-level exchanges, mutual visits, cross-attendance of courses and port calls.

The XMC23 ships sailed in formation during the sea phase.

RSS Intrepid (ITR), together with Yulin, took part in a sailpast – signalling the end of a successful sea phase.

PLA(N) helicopter Harbin Z-9 conducted a deck landing on ITR during the sea phase.