SAEDNEWS: China and Singapore launched a joint maritime exercise on Saturday in Guangdong Province in southern China, marking the fifth maritime cooperation exercise conducted by the two countries.
According to Saednews, China and Singapore have launched a joint maritime exercise in the waters and airspace surrounding Zhanjiang, southern China. The opening ceremony took place at a naval port in the city.
The exercise includes live-fire training, at-sea replenishment, and coordinated search-and-rescue operations. Two warships are taking part: China's guided-missile frigate Dali and Singapore's frigate RSS Steadfast, according to Xinhua.
China's Ministry of National Defense said the exercise is intended to build mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and improve the two countries' ability to work together in maintaining regional peace and stability.
The drills are being conducted in two stages, beginning with activities and exchanges at the port before moving to operations at sea. Personnel from both sides will share experience in diving, submarine search and rescue, and underwater medicine. They will also conduct exercises involving communications, replenishment at sea, coordinated maritime strikes, and joint search-and-rescue missions.
Chinese military expert Zhang Junshe said the search-and-rescue training has significant practical value because of the heavy maritime traffic and challenging weather and sea conditions in the South China Sea.
Zhang explained that, under search-and-rescue areas designated by the International Maritime Organization, both China and Singapore have responsibilities for maritime rescue in parts of the South China Sea. Their naval forces therefore need to be prepared to carry out these duties effectively.
He added that live-fire training and at-sea replenishment can further improve the operational and combat capabilities of both navies.
China and Singapore conducted their first bilateral maritime exercise in 2015. Since then, joint naval exercises have become a regular feature of military cooperation between the two countries.
In May 2025, China sent a guided-missile frigate and a mine-countermeasure vessel to Singapore to participate in another joint maritime exercise.
Beyond its cooperation with Singapore, China also conducts regular joint military drills and training with other neighboring countries, including Thailand and Cambodia.
