Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen had a bilateral call with Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense General (GEN) Wei Fenghe earlier this morning. Dr Ng is on a five-day visit to China from 22 to 26 October 2018. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ASEAN-China defence cooperation, including working towards the next editions of the ASEAN-China Maritime Exercise and other forms of cooperation. On the bilateral relationship, both sides agreed to continue the exchange of high-level visits, discussed substantive proposals to expand cooperation, as well as looked forward to the conduct of Exercise Cooperation in 2019.

Dr Ng's visit to China is testament to the strong defence ties between both countries. Both armed forces interact regularly through numerous bilateral and multilateral exercises, high-level visits, professional exchanges, port calls, and the cross-attendance of courses and seminars. These mutually beneficial interactions have enhanced the mutual understanding and camaraderie between the officers and men of the two militaries.

Dr Ng will attend the 8th Beijing Xiangshan Forum tomorrow, where he will speak at the first plenary session titled "International Security Governance: New Ideas and Approaches". Dr Ng will also call on Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission General Xu Qiliang on 26 Oct.