Chinese frigate opens to public at Singapore exhibition

Chinese navy vessel Xuchang opened to the public at the sideline of the International Maritime Defense Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia 2025 in Singapore on Thursday, receiving more than 1,000 visitors boarding the ship docked at Changi Naval Base.

It was also the closing day of IMDEX Asia 2025, one of the most influential defense events in Asia which opened on Tuesday at the Changi Exhibition Center. China has participated in the exhibition for many consecutive sessions.

This edition of the exhibition attracted more than 100 companies from around the world, focusing on displaying the latest maritime sci-tech achievements in artificial intelligence technology, ship power systems and other aspects.

The Type 054A missile frigate Xuchang and Type 082II minesweeper Chishui - both domestically developed - starred as China's floating ambassadors at the exhibition.

More than 1,000 visitors, including overseas Chinese and foreign military personnel, streamed across their decks during guided tours that blended hardware displays with cultural diplomacy.

Aboard the 4,000-ton Xuchang, sailors carefully orchestrated visits from stern to bow, explaining the history of the People's Liberation Army Navy between displays of missile systems and radar equipment.

"It is my first time here, and I feel overwhelmed. It is much larger than what I imagined. And I see many kinds of weapons, none of them I've ever seen before," said a Chinese student in Singapore.

At a deck reception on Thursday evening, sailors on frigate Xuchang put on performance costumes and played Zheng, a 21-or 25-stringed plucked instrument, did Tai Chi and displayed face-changing of Sichuan Opera.

"I experienced a lot of diversity in cultural stuff, and it's very fortunate to come," said a Singaporean naval soldier.

"It's great, I think. I thank you for your colleagues and your welcoming. So I think it's great, I made a few friends on board the ship here. Because I'm Chinese myself, I kind of like the culture," said another seaman from Singapore.

From Tuesday to Thursday, the Chinese Navy participated in various activities organized by the host, including the opening ceremony, a welcome reception, and professional exchanges.

Through friendly and open interactions, the visiting Chinese naval soldiers impressed the local people as opening, cooperative, and confident.

Xuchang, with the hull number 536, is a Type 054A guided missile frigate developed domestically by China with a full load displacement of over 4,000 tons. It is capable of carrying out sea assault, air defense and anti-missile missions. Since it was commissioned in 2017, the ship has participated in a number of major training and exercise missions and maritime escort operations.

Chinese frigate opens to public at Singapore exhibition

The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.

In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.

"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.

Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.

President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.

Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.

Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests