S'PORE, CHINA TO STEP UP DEFENCE TIES

30may19_news1 https://www.defencepioneer.sg/images/default-source/articles/diplomacy/2019/30-may-2019/30may19_news1.jpg?sfvrsn=fab3c4e8_3 https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/s'pore--china-to-step-up-defence-ties
https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/s'pore--china-to-step-up-defence-ties
S'PORE, CHINA TO STEP UP DEFENCE TIES
30 May 2019 | DIPLOMACY

S'PORE, CHINA TO STEP UP DEFENCE TIES

// REPORT by Thrina Tham 
// PHOTOS by Chua Soon Lye

Singapore and China leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen defence relations through bilateral engagements and exercises. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and his Chinese counterpart General (GEN) Wei Fenghe made this commitment during a formal bilateral meeting at the Singapore Ministry of Defence of Defence (MINDEF) on 29 May.

GEN Wei is in Singapore for an introductory military visit, and to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) – an annual security summit – that will be held from 31 May to 2 Jun.

During the meeting, the two men welcomed the fourth edition of Exercise Cooperation, a bilateral army exercise to be held later this year. They also agreed to hold Exercise Maritime Cooperation between the two countries' navies in 2020.

The two defence leaders are also expected to ink a revised Agreement on Defence Exchanges and Security Cooperation (ADESC) later this year. The ADESC is a bilateral defence agreement between China and Singapore that was first signed on 7 Jan 2008. 

The revised ADESC will see the two countries deepen defence ties by boosting frequent high-level dialogues and pave the way for larger-scale bilateral exercises. Also included in the agreement are academic and think-tank interactions between the two sides. 

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Dr Ng said: "We had a number of ideas on how we wanted to step up and deepen defence ties and we both agreed that this (revised ADESC) would be an appropriate instrument to enhance these interactions."

On China's role in regional security, Dr Ng added that GEN Wei's visit to Singapore showed China's willingness to engage with the region and with the world.

“We both affirmed that we wanted to deepen defence relations and I think (that) - because…of the common goals that both China and Singapore, and indeed all countries share – we are on the same page.”

The Chinese defence minister called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana on 30 May. He will also call on Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat on the sidelines of SLD.

As part of his introductory military visit, GEN Wei visited RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base where he was briefed on the Republic of Singapore Navy's Information Fusion Centre and toured the Archer-class submarine RSS Swordsman and Formidable-class frigate RSS Stalwart

He will also visit Headquarters, 3rd Singapore Division to preview the Singapore Army's platforms and equipment that will be used at Exercise Cooperation later this year. 

Suggested Reading
Feature
CHAMPIONS FOR INNOVATION
TECHNOLOGY
30 Jul 2025

Eleven Minister for Defence Awards (MDA) were given out this year, for innovations by MINDEF and SAF personnel that led to improved efficiency and safer working conditions.

Feature
GIANT LEAPS INTO NEW BOOTS
PEOPLE
29 Jul 2025

A career change is never easy, but a jump out of their comfort zones into the SAF is just what mid-careerists ME4 Jessica Ho and ME4 V. Yoginita wanted.

Feature
BEHIND THE PARADE
COMMUNITY
28 Jul 2025

Months of hard work and burnt weekends, all for Singapore’s biggest birthday bash. Here’s your backstage pass to this year’s National Day Parade!

MINDEF VOLUNTEERS HONOURED FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO S’PORE’S DEFENCE
COMMUNITY
24 Jul 2025

These volunteers play a key role in promoting public awareness on defence matters and inspiring support for National Service.

FROM AUDITOR TO AIR WARFARE OFFICER
PEOPLE
23 Jul 2025

LTA Liz Voon swapped financial audits for air defence missions. Meet this mid-careerist who left one of the “Big 4” accounting firms to pursue her purpose in the RSAF, in PIONEER’s “From Desk to Field” series!

SHIP-TACULAR NDP 2025 DISPLAY AT MARINA BAY
COMMUNITY
19 Jul 2025

The maritime display is part of this year’s special NDP mobile column, joining the aerial flypast over the Padang and the drive-past along St Andrew’s Road.

Cover story
COMMITMENT IS OUR GREATEST DETERRENCE: MR CHAN
OPS & TRAINING
19 Jul 2025

Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing witnessed the commitment of NSmen to Singapore’s defence, during his visit to a mobilisation exercise involving over 2,000 soldiers.

WHEN ENGINEERING INNOVATION MEETS NATIONAL DEFENCE
PEOPLE
16 Jul 2025

ME5 Joshua Tay brings 18 years of expertise in many different fields to the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS). Meet this mid-careerist in the latest of PIONEER’s “From Desk to Field” series!

Cover story
FLYING HIGH FOR SG60
COMMUNITY
10 Jul 2025

The sky’s the limit when it comes to putting on a spectacular National Day Parade (NDP) aerial display for Singapore’s Diamond Jubilee. 

From hospital ward to hyperbaric chamber
PEOPLE
09 Jul 2025

ME1 Kaitlynn Arumugam shares why she made the switch from nursing to joining the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), in the latest of PIONEER’s From Desk to Field series.