RSS STEADFAST MAKES PORT CALL IN SHANGHAI

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the People's Liberation Army (Navy) [PLA(N)] will continue to forge new friendships, strengthen existing relationships, and enhance its professional interactions to maintain the momentum achieved under the Four-Point Consensus between the two countries, said the RSN's Fleet Commander, Colonel (COL) Cheong Kwok Chien.

"The RSN cherishes the continued opportunities to call on the PLA(N) and exercise together. On a professional and personal level, we hope to continue our friendship and trust to build a strong foundation for greater interoperability. I look forward to more meaningful collaborations between our navies."

COL Cheong was speaking at a media interview following the welcome ceremony for the RSN's Formidable-class frigate RSS Steadfast, which arrived at the PLA(N)'s Yangzijiang Naval Jetty in Shanghai on 8 Sep. Held from 8 to 11 Sep, the port call will see an exchange of ship visits between personnel of the two navies, including a reception on RSS Steadfast for PLA(N) personnel.

Following the port call, RSS Steadfast will conduct a bilateral passage exercise with the PLA(N)'s Jiangkai II-class frigate CNS Jingzhou.

Elaborating on the importance of Singapore and China's navy-to-navy interactions, COL Cheong pointed out that the port call and bilateral exercise were testament to the close professional ties between the two navies.

"It is a homecoming of sorts for RSS Steadfast, which was here in 2008. It is great to see our friends from the PLA(N) again, and...we look forward to a meaningful time in China."

He added: "We will keep finding opportunities to conduct exercises with the PLA(N). This is already part of the four points of agreement between the two Ministers. Next year, when the Singapore Navy celebrates our 50th anniversary, we look forward to the PLA(N) ships coming to Singapore, which will definitely give us the opportunity to work and train together again."

This is RSS Steadfast's second port call at the Yangzijiang Naval Jetty. The first was in 2008 -- it was RSS Steadfast's first overseas sail and also the first port call by an RSN frigate to China.

The frigate recently completed the multinational Rim of the Pacific exercise in Hawaii and is on the return leg of its three-month deployment. Shanghai is the ship's final port of call before it returns to Singapore later this month.

While in Shanghai, COL Cheong will meet Deputy Commander of the PLA(N) East Sea Fleet, Rear-Admiral (RADM) Zhi Tianlong, and Commander of the Shanghai Naval Garrison, RADM Wang Jianxun.