Singapore, China to deepen defence ties, increase scale of joint military exercises
SINGAPORE — Singapore and China are expected to update an existing bilateral defence agreement, as the two countries seek to deepen defence ties through engagements such as increasing the scale of joint military exercises.
The Agreement on Defence Exchanges and Security Cooperation (ADESC) between the two countries – which was first signed in 2008 – is set to be revised and signed later this year, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said in a media release on Wednesday (29 May).
The announcement came as China’s Defence Minister Wei Fenghe arrived in Singapore for his introductory military visit, as well as to attend the 18th Shangri-La Dialogue security forum from Friday to Sunday. This is the first time since 2011 a Chinese defence minister will be at the Shangri-La Dialogue.
Stepping up bilateral engagements
Wei met with Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Wednesday, and both agreed to step up bilateral engagements on various fronts.
Mindef said in its media release, “The proposed exchanges to be introduced or stepped up include the establishment of frequent high-level dialogues, new arrangements for Services-to-Services cooperation, academic and think-tank exchanges, as well as an increase in the scale of existing bilateral exercises.
“(The ministers) welcomed the conduct of Exercise Cooperation involving both armies this year and agreed for Exercise Maritime Cooperation by both navies to be held in 2020.”
Dr Ng told CNA in an interview after the meeting, ““We’ve always said we want good relations with all countries, and what we’re doing with China is no different from what we previously do.
“If anything, it reflects the bilateral confidence in each other and a willingness to deepen defence ties particularly because we have shared perspectives for a stable and inclusive region, especially for security matters.”
Wei to call on PM Lee, DPM Heng
As part of his introductory visit, Wei will call on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, as well as be hosted to dinner by Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean.
He will visit the Changi Naval Base, where he will be briefed on the Republic of Singapore Navy’s Information Fusion Centre. He will also board the Archer-class submarine RSS Swordsman, and the Formidable-class frigate RSS Stalwart.
Wei will also visit the headquarters of the 3rd Singapore Division, which will host Exercise Cooperation between the armies of both countries later this year.
Other Singapore stories:
Singapore the top country for children to grow up in: NGO report
Illustrated storybook aims to educate young in Singapore on child sexual abuse
