China Defence Minister Makes Introductory Visit to Singapore

China Minister of National Defense Admiral (ADM) Dong Jun (left) meeting Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (right) earlier today.

China Minister of National Defense Admiral (ADM) Dong Jun is conducting his introductory visit to Singapore from 30 May to 2 June 2024, and attending the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD). As part of his visit, ADM Dong was welcomed by a Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and co-chaired the third Singapore-China Defence Ministers' Dialogue (DMD) with Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen this morning. The DMD is an initiative under the enhanced Agreement on Defence Exchanges and Security Cooperation (ADESC) signed in 2019.

During the dialogue, both Ministers reaffirmed the positive momentum in the bilateral defence relationship, demonstrated through regular high-level exchanges, military-to-military interactions, and growing academic exchanges between the defence establishments. Both sides also expressed support for the conduct of the sixth edition of Exercise Cooperation between the Armies and the third edition of Exercise Maritime Cooperation between the Navies in China this year. Such exercises allow both sides to strengthen professional and people-to-people ties, as well as enhance mutual trust and understanding. Both Ministers also exchanged views on global and regional security issues.

As part of his introductory visit, ADM Dong will meet Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean. ADM Dong will also visit Changi Naval Base, where he will visit the Republic of Singapore Navy's Formidable-class frigate RSS Steadfast as well as the Singapore Navy Museum. The Formidable-class frigates have exercised with the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) on multiple occasions, most recently during the second edition of Exercise Maritime Cooperation in 2023.

ADM Dong's visit underscores the longstanding, warm and friendly bilateral defence relations between Singapore and China. ADM Dong will also speak at a plenary session titled "China's Approach to Global Security" on 2 June 2024 during the 21st SLD.

Dr Ng (third from left) and ADM Dong (third from right) co-chairing the third Singapore-China Defence Ministers’ Dialogue.

ADM Dong inspecting the Guard of Honour at MINDEF this morning.

ADM Dong on board the Formidable-class frigate RSS Steadfast, accompanied by (left to right) Chief of Navy (CNV) Rear Admiral (RADM) Sean Wat, Senior Minister of State (SMS) for Defence Mr Heng Chee How, Chief of Defence Force (CDF) Vice Admiral (VADM) Aaron Beng and Chinese Ambassador to Singapore Cao Zhongming.

ADM Dong receiving a brief on board the Formidable-class frigate RSS Steadfast.

ADM Dong visiting the Singapore Navy Museum this afternoon.