S'PORE, CHINA CONDUCT SUCCESSFUL NAVAL EXERCISE

There is a Chinese proverb that says: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the People's Liberation Army (Navy) (PLA (N)) took that first step in enhancing bilateral ties, with the inaugural Exercise Maritime Cooperation which took place on 20 May, and 23 to 25 May.

The four-day exercise saw RSN frigate RSS Intrepid and missile corvette RSS Valiant, together with Chinese frigate Yulin, conduct gunnery firing and manoeuvring drills.

RSN Commander Task Group Colonel (COL) Ken Cheong said: "The exercise is a major step for us; we have moved from very basic manoeuvres to more advanced bilateral training." The two naval forces also conducted air-defence and other war-fighting drills.

He added: "It's a stepping stone to more interactions in the future. We have achieved all the training (targets). Besides bilateral training objectives, we also made friends."

The Chinese Task Group Commander, PLA (N)'s Senior Captain Zhang Ming Qiang, voiced similar sentiments: "The exercise increased our mutual understanding of how each other operates, and it has enhanced our ability to operate together. It's win-win for both sides."

"The RSN was open and sincere with us, and very serious in their work. That left a deep impression on us from this first time (that) we are exercising together."

Said PLA (N) Commander South Sea Fleet Rear Admiral (RADM) Shen Jinlong: "Exercise Maritime Cooperation reflects our common goals and beliefs, and is a new achievement in the exchanges and interactions between both our navies."

Apart from the drills at sea, sailors from both sides also planned for the exercise together, and went through simulator training at Changi Naval Base.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the exercise on 20 May, RSN Fleet Commander Colonel (COL) Lew Chuen Hong highlighted the growth in professional interactions between the two navies.

He said both navies could "learn from each other and deepen professional knowledge to strengthen mutual trust and understanding".

This year marks 25 years since Singapore and China established diplomatic ties. Exercise Maritime Cooperation comes on the back of the Four-Point Consensus agreed on by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and Chinese Minister of National Defense General Chang Wanquan during Dr Ng's visit to China in November last year.