RSS Stalwart arrives in China for bilateral naval exercise with PLA Navy.

According to information published by Singapore Mindef on August 29, 2024, the Republic of Singapore Navy's Formidable-class frigate, RSS Stalwart, made port at Ma Xie Naval Base in Zhanjiang, China, to participate in the bilateral Exercise Maritime Cooperation with the People's Liberation Army Navy. The exercise, scheduled from September 1 to 5, 2024, marks the third iteration of this collaborative effort since its inception in 2015.
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Singapore Navy's Formidable-class frigate RSS Stalwart at Ma Xie Naval Base, China. (Picture source: Singapore Mindef)

Exercise Maritime Cooperation 2024 is set to include two main phases. The shore phase, taking place from September 1 to 2 at Ma Xie Naval Base, will feature planning exercises and professional exchanges between personnel from both navies.

This will be followed by a sea phase from September 3 to 5 in the waters off Zhanjiang. During the sea phase, the navies will engage in various operational activities, such as helicopter cross-deck landings, gunnery firing, search and rescue drills, and maneuvering exercises. Additionally, both navies will practice familiarization with voice procedures for simulated firings.

As part of the exercise, RSS Stalwart will also observe the PLA Navy's unilateral conduct of specific serials, including vessel boarding and mine clearance operations, further enhancing the interoperability and understanding between the two forces.

RSS Stalwart's visit to Zhanjiang is the final segment of its three-month deployment, which has included participation in a series of bilateral and multilateral exercises. These have ranged from multinational group sails from Singapore to Hawaii, participation in the Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), a passage exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and now Exercise Maritime Cooperation.

Singapore-China relations

The focus on joint exercises is a continuation of a long-standing relationship that has seen the two countries regularly engaging in naval exercises since the early 2000s. The strategic relationship between China and Singapore is underscored by the delicate balance Singapore maintains in its foreign policy.

While it continues to foster strong defense ties with the United States and other Western countries, Singapore also seeks to engage constructively with China, , reflecting its broader strategy of maintaining a diversified portfolio of international partnerships.