S'PORE, CHINA TO STEP UP CO-OPERATION IN DEFENCE

Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean and Chinese Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission and Minister for National Defence, General (GEN) Cao Gangchuan, have agreed to enhance co-operation between the two countries' defence forces.

An annual defence policy dialogue pegged at the Permanent Secretary-level will be set up, and exchanges like high-level visits and port calls between the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will be increased.

Mr Teo and GEN Cao agreed to share experiences and to co-operate in international humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and peacekeeping missions.

Furthermore, Mr Teo extended an offer of scholarships for PLA officers, to attend graduate degree courses in Singapore.

The two defence ministers also shared their views on various issues like their countries' defence policies, regional security situation, and the importance of international co-operation in ensuring the safety and security of sea lanes and in dealing with transnational security threats like terrorism.

Mr Teo, who is in China at the invitation of GEN Cao for a five-day visit, also met with the Chairman of the National People's Congress, Wu Bangguo, on 16 Nov.

During the meetings, both sides noted the longstanding good relations between Singapore and China, and the extensive interaction and co-operation in different sectors. They also reaffirmed the importance of defence relationship as a part of the multifaceted bilateral relationship.

As part of his visit, Mr Teo will also meet other Chinese political leaders, provincial officials, and senior PLA commanders. In addition, Mr Teo will visit several military institutions in Beijing, Nanjing and Shanghai.