The Republic of Singapore Navy Successfully Concludes Exercise Maritime Cooperation with People’s Liberation Army (Navy)

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)’s RSS Steadfast (STF) (right) and People’s Liberation Army (Navy) [PLAN]’s PLANS Dali (left) sailing in formation. (Photo Credit: People’s Liberation Army (Navy))

Personnel from STF with personnel from PLANS Dali during the planning and coordination meeting.

STF and PLANS Dali conducting manoeuvring serials.

STF conducting the farewell sailpast with PLANS Dali.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the People’s Liberation Army (Navy) [PLA (Navy)] concluded the fifth edition of Exercise Maritime Cooperation (XMC) earlier today. Held from 5 to 9 September 2026 in Zhanjiang, China, the exercise saw the participation of the RSN’s Formidable-class frigate RSS Steadfast, and PLA Navy’s Jiangkai-II-class frigate PLANS Dali.

During the exercise, both navies had an exchange of sea riders and conducted a series of maritime security and conventional warfare drills. These included gunnery firings, communications and manoeuvring exercises, as well as joint search and rescue and medical evacuation serials. Ashore, the navies engaged in planning exercises and professional exchanges.

Speaking on the conduct of the exercise, the RSN’s Deputy Fleet Commander Colonel Ng Yen Meng said, “Through these serials, we have strengthened our operational competencies and deepened the trust and understanding between our two navies, allowing us to strengthen relationships. Exercise Maritime Cooperation 2026 represents yet another milestone in our navies' shared journey towards greater understanding and mutual trust, and I look forward to many more years of cooperation ahead.”

XMC underscores the longstanding, warm and friendly bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and the People’s Republic of China.