Zhanjiang, 2 September 2024 (TDI): Chinese and Singaporean warships have started the harbor phase of a joint naval exercise, which will be followed by a sea phase off the southern coast of China.
Experts said on Sunday that this cooperation demonstrates how China and Southeast Asian nations can engage in military exercises that promote regional peace and stability.
The frigate Sanya and minesweeper Hejian of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, alongside the Singaporean navy’s frigate RSS Stalwart, gathered at a naval port in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, last Thursday to participate in the China-Singapore Exercise Cooperation 2024.
This joint maritime exercise, running from Friday to September 5, also included the PLA Navy’s destroyer Zhanjiang. These vessels were opened to the public on Saturday as part of the harbor phase, as reported by China Central Television (CCTV) on Sunday.
The harbor phase of the exercise will continue until Tuesday, after which the ships will proceed to the sea phase in waters off Zhanjiang.
Drills’ Importance
The exercise aims to strengthen the annual mechanism for hosting joint drills alternately in each country, expand the scale and impact of these exercises, and foster positive military cooperation, according to a press release by the PLA Navy.
Senior Colonel Wu Qian, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, said during a press conference that the training will include joint anti-surface strike exercises, replenishment-at-sea operations, joint search and rescue missions, and VBSS (visit, board, search, and seizure) drills.
He highlighted that, being the third edition of the exercise, this year’s drills are expected to further enhance mutual trust, friendship, and pragmatic cooperation between the two navies.
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A Chinese military expert said that the involvement of the frigates and minesweeper from both sides could help maintain the openness of key international shipping lanes in the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca.
This exercise showcases the capabilities of both navies in safeguarding peace and stability in the region, he added.
The expert further emphasized that the drills serve as a positive example of military cooperation among Southeast Asian countries, particularly amid ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, involving nations like the Philippines.
