The Republic of Singapore Navy and People’s Liberation Army (Navy) Officiate the Start of Bilateral Maritime Exercise

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Fleet Commander Rear Admiral (RADM) Kwan Hon Chuong (left) and People's Liberation Army (Navy) PLA Navy Commander, Southern Theater Command, Vice Admiral Li Pengcheng (right) co-officiated the Opening Ceremony of Exercise Maritime Cooperation (XMC) 2024.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s Fleet Commander Rear Admiral (RADM) Kwan Hon Chuong and People’s Liberation Army (Navy) [PLA Navy]’s South Sea Fleet Commander Vice Admiral (VADM) Li Pengcheng co-officiated the opening ceremony of Exercise Maritime Cooperation at Ma Xie Naval Base earlier today. Both navies are conducting the bilateral exercise from 1 to 5 Sep.

The opening ceremony was attended by approximately 200 participants from the RSN and PLA Navy. The RSN is participating with a Formidable-class frigate RSS Stalwart. The PLA Navy is participating with PLANS Type 054A frigate Sanya and PLANS Type 082-II Minesweeper Hejian.

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, RADM Kwan said, “The strong and friendly defence relationship between Singapore and China is exemplified by Exercise Maritime Cooperation. This exercise has consistently provided invaluable opportunities for our navies to learn from each other, build mutual trust and understanding, and forge friendships.” 

The exercise underscores the longstanding, warm and friendly bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and China. Besides bilateral exercises, the two armed forces also interact regularly through high-level exchanges, mutual visits and the cross-attendance of courses. 

RADM Kwan speaking at the Opening Ceremony of XMC 2024.

RSN and PLA Navy representatives held a planning meeting to coordinate details of the exercise. The meeting was co-chaired by RSN Commander First Flotilla Colonel (COL) Daniel Ng (left) and PLA Navy Deputy Chief of Staff of Naval Base Senior Captain Han Feng (right).

At the subject matter expert exchange, RSN and PLA Navy participants shared best practices to enhance safety and maritime security. This included topics such as submarine rescue and mine-countermeasures (MCM). During these exchanges, RSN participants shared their experiences in submarine rescue exercises and multilateral MCM, as well as the training roadmap for RSN personnel.

Officers from the RSN and PLA Navy conducting a tabletop exercise prior to the sea phase.