Chief of Defence Force Reaffirms Defence Ties with China

Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Ng Chee Meng (left) calling on Minister of National Defense General (GEN) Chang Wanquan earlier today.

Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Ng Chee Meng is conducting his introductory visit to China from 13 to 18 April 2015 at the invitation of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Chief of General Staff and Member of the Central Military Commission (CMC) General (GEN) Fang Fenghui. 

During his engagement with GEN Fang in Beijing, LG Ng and GEN Fang exchanged views on the regional security situation and the state of bilateral defence cooperation. Both sides agreed on concrete initiatives to deepen our defence relationship and expand interactions with each other under the Four-Point Consensus, which was agreed between Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and Minister of National Defense GEN Chang Wanquan during Dr Ng's bilateral visit to China last November.

Earlier today, LG Ng also called on GEN Chang. Both sides reaffirmed the excellent state of bilateral relations and noted the good progress made in military cooperation. GEN Chang expressed support for enhancing bilateral defence ties particularly as both countries commemorate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of China-Singapore diplomatic relations this year.

As part of the visit, LG Ng had met with Beijing Military Region Commander LG Song Puxuan and had visited the 24th Air Division, PLA Air Force and 196th Infantry Brigade, Beijing Military Command. LG Ng will also make a cultural trip to Xi'an before visiting Shanghai, where he is scheduled to visit the Shanghai Naval Garrison and meet Shanghai Garrison Political Commissar Major-General (MG) Ma Jiali.

LG Ng's visit underscores the warm and growing ties between both countries and is the latest in a regular exchange of high-level bilateral and defence visits. The visit also coincides with a study trip to China by 19 officers from the Ministry of Defence and the Singapore Armed Forces. Led by Chief of Staff, Joint Staff Brigadier-General Chia Choon Hoong, the delegation visited several PLA military units and sites of cultural significance during their week-long visit to China from 12 to 19 April 2015. Both militaries also interact frequently through regular exercises, cross-attendance of courses and port calls. These interactions bolster the friendship and mutual understanding between both armed forces.

LG Ng (left) calling on the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Chief of General Staff and Member of the Central Military Commission (CMC) GEN Fang Fenghui.