The Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) Formidable-class frigate RSS Steadfast called at the People's Liberation Army (Navy)'s [PLA(N)] Yangzijiang Naval Jetty in Shanghai today. RSS Steadfast's port call from 8 to 11 September 2016 will see an exchange of ship visits between personnel of the two navies, including a reception for the PLA(N) personnel on board RSS Steadfast.

Following the port call, RSS Steadfast will conduct a bilateral exercise with the PLA(N) Jiangkai II-class Frigate Jingzhou. This exercise advances the progress in practical cooperation between the RSN and PLA(N) since the last bilateral naval exercise, Exercise Maritime Cooperation, in May 2015.

The RSN's Fleet Commander Colonel (COL) Cheong Kwok Chien was also present during the port call. While in Shanghai, COL Cheong will meet with Deputy Commander of the PLA(N) East Sea Fleet, Rear-Admiral (RADM) Zhi Tianlong, and Commander of the Shanghai Naval Garrison, RADM Wang Jianxun.

COL Cheong highlighted that the port call and bilateral exercise are testament to the close professional and people-to-people ties between the two navies. "The RSN cherishes the continued opportunities to call on the PLA(N) and exercise together. On a professional and personal level, we hope to continue our friendship and trust, to build a strong foundation for greater interoperability. I look forward to more meaningful collaboration between our navies," he said.

These interactions during the port call and exercise underscore the warm and friendly bilateral ties between Singapore and China. They maintain the positive momentum achieved under the Four-Point Consensus agreed between Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and Chinese Minister of National Defense General Chang Wanquan during Dr Ng's visit to China in November 2014.

RSS Steadfast recently completed the multinational Rim of the Pacific Exercise off the waters of Hawaii and is currently on the return leg of its three-month deployment. Shanghai is the ship's final port of call before arriving in Singapore later this month.