Singapore, Chinese navies conclude inaugural bilateral naval exercise

SINGAPORE, May 25 -- The Singapore and Chinese navies on Monday concluded here the inaugural Exercise Maritime Cooperation 2015.

Singapore's Fleet commander Colonel Lew Chuen Hong highlighted the growth in professional interactions between the two navies at the opening ceremony, saying both navies can learn from each other and deepen professional knowledge to strengthen mutual trust and mutual understanding.

Commander of China's South Sea Fleet Rear Admiral (RADM) Shen Jinlong said that Exercise Maritime Cooperation reflects common goals and beliefs of the two navies, and is a new achievement of the exchanges and interactions between the two navies.

Chinese missile frigate Yulin, Singapore's Formidable-class frigate (RSS Intrepid) and Victory-class missile corvette (RSS Valiant) participated in the bilateral maritime exercise.

Exercise Maritime Cooperation comprised conventional naval warfare serials such as gunnery firings, maneuvering drills, air defense exercise, anti-surface warfare encounter and so on. Personnel from the two navies also engaged in exercise planning and combined simulator training ashore.

Colonel Ken Cheong, commanding officer of 1st Flotilla of Singapore, told Xinhua after the drill that he would say the inaugural bilateral naval exercise was successful, and he believed that it is a great opportunity for the two navies to work together and to understand each other.

"Through this exercise, we will be able to improve our trust, we will be able to be more confident in cooperating with each other. And therefore be able to engage in high end trainings that are yet to come." Cheong said.

Zhang Mingqiang, commander of the Task Group of the Chinese navy, also spoke highly of the first bilateral maritime exercise, saying soldiers and officers from Singapore left him a deep impression because of their professionalism, sincere attitude and rigorous style.

On further cooperation between the two navies, Zhang Mingqiang said that details of cooperation should be finalized by the two navies in the future.

"I think that the two navies can enhance cooperation in the areas of information sharing, humanitarian rescue, and tackling with untraditional security threats."