28-8-2023 (SINGAPORE) The Singapore Armed Forces and China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) are set to conduct a two-week bilateral army exercise starting on September 1. This marks the first such exercise since 2019, with previous plans disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dubbed Exercise Cooperation, this joint military exercise has been held five times since its inception in 2009. It involves soldiers from the Singapore Army’s 3rd Singapore Division and 1st Commando Battalion, as well as the PLA Southern Theater Command Army’s (STCA) 74th Army Group.
The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) announced on Monday (August 28) that the exercise’s theme will focus on urban counter-terrorism operations. Soldiers will participate in professional exchanges, including a rescue scenario, and engage in tactical training such as rappelling, hand-to-hand combat, and small-arms live firing.
Mindef stated, “These interactions allow both sides to strengthen professional ties, foster people-to-people bonds, as well as enhance mutual trust and understanding between both militaries.”
The ministry emphasized that Exercise Cooperation is part of the Singapore Army’s ongoing efforts to bolster mutual cooperation with other nations. It also highlights the warm and friendly bilateral defence relations between Singapore and China.
In addition to bilateral and multilateral exercises, both defence establishments regularly engage in high-level exchanges, mutual visits, cross-attendance of courses, academic exchanges, and port calls, according to Mindef.
The bilateral army exercise serves as a platform for Singapore and China to reinforce their military capabilities and deepen the bonds between their armed forces. As regional security challenges persist, such collaborations play a crucial role in maintaining stability and fostering cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
