Singapore and Chinese Navies Conduct Bilateral Maritime Exercise

Commander 1st Flotilla, Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), Colonel Ng Kok Yeng Daniel (fifth from left), and Chief of Staff of Destroyer Flotilla, Southern Theatre Command, People's Liberation Army (Navy), Senior Captain Mei Leyang (sixth from right), co-officiated the Opening Ceremony of Exercise Maritime Cooperation 2025, witnessed by RSN's Fleet Commander, Rear Admiral Kwan Hon Chuong (seventh from left) and Political Commissar of Destroyer Flotilla, Southern Theatre Command, PLA Navy, Senior Captain Ruan Kai (sixth from left).

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) will be conducting bilateral Exercise Maritime Cooperation (XMC) with the People’s Liberation Army (Navy) [PLA Navy] from 9 to 16 May 2025.                                                           

This year’s XMC is the fourth in the series since its inauguration in 2015. The exercise will involve the RSN’s Formidable-class frigate RSS Steadfast, Bedok-class Mine Countermeasure Vessel RSS Bedok, and the PLA Navy’s Jiangkai II-class frigate (Xuchang) and Wozang-class Minesweeper (Chishui). The PLA Navy ships had also participated in the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia 2025 Warship Display at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base from 6 to 8 May 2025. 

The shore phase from 10 to 13 May 2025 will take place at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base. During the shore phase, personnel from both navies will engage in professional exchanges, combined training at the Damage Control Trainer, as well as visit MV Swift Rescue. The sea phase, to be conducted in the southern reaches of the South China Sea within international waters, will take place from 14 to 15 May 2025. At sea, the ships will conduct a range of serials, including gunnery firing, search and rescue and medical evacuation.  

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

RSN personnel hosting PLA Navy personnel to a visit onboard MV Swift Rescue.

RSN and PLA Navy personnel coordinating details of the exercise during the planning conference.