China and Singapore wrapped up the three-day shore phase of their "Maritime Cooperation‑2026" joint exercise Monday in Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province, completing port activities and technical exchanges that laid the groundwork for upcoming sea drills.
Experts from both navies held seminars on diving operations, submarine rescue and underwater medical support, while officers toured each other's frigates to strengthen operational familiarity and mutual understanding.
The Republic of Singapore Navy's frigate RSS Steadfast berthed at a Chinese naval base in Zhanjiang, where PLA Navy personnel welcomed the visiting crew. Officers from both sides then toured each other's vessels, the Steadfast and the Type 054A frigate Dali, exchanging technical insights and strengthening practical cooperation.
Experts from the Southern Theater Command and the Naval Medical University engaged in in-depth discussions with their Singaporean counterparts, sharing professional experience, technical practices and practical operational insights.
"The underwater world is obscure, yet maritime security cooperation can be transparent. Despite differences in systems and equipment between the Chinese and Singaporean naval diving teams, the two sides share identical missions and face similar security challenges. We believe that candid exchanges and mutual learning will jointly elevate the diving operation capabilities of both navies and inject new momentum into regional maritime security and non-traditional security cooperation," said Yang Fan, a Chinese naval officer.
In addition to professional seminars and vessel visits, the two sides also held receptions and friendly exchange activities to deepen bilateral military friendship.
"Singapore and the People's Republic of China share a strong and enduring relationship. It is built on high level exchanges and a range of corporate activities including constant attendances and reciprocal visits. Exercise maritime corporation 2026 marks yet another milestone in our journey towards shared commitment as well as mutual trust and I look forward to many years of cooperation ahead," said RSN's Deputy Fleet Commander Colonel Ng Yen Meng.
The exercise is scheduled to enter a sea phase in waters off Zhanjiang City from Tuesday to Wednesday.
China, Singapore conclude shore phase of joint naval exercise in Guangdong
