Five-time collaboration! What are the highlights of the China-Singapore "Maritime Cooperation - 2026" joint exercise?

In early September, the "Maritime Cooperation-2026" joint exercise between China and Singapore opened at a military port in Zhanjiang, Guangdong. The Chinese side dispatched the 054A-class missile frigate Dali, equipped with onboard helicopters, while the Singaporean side participated with the frigate "Formidable." The exercise is divided into two phases: the port phase will conduct diving operations, submarine search and rescue, and underwater medical professional exchanges; the maritime phase will organize communication drills, maritime resupply, joint maritime strikes, and joint search and rescue exercises. This is also the fifth time that China and Singapore have organized the "Maritime Cooperation" series of joint exercises.

Five times working together, reflecting on the development trajectory of the China-Singapore series of exercises.

As an important practice of pragmatic exchanges and cooperation between the navies of China and Singapore, this "Maritime Cooperation-2026" joint exercise releases multiple key points to the outside world.

Military Observer Wei Dongxu: Within the framework of the China-Singapore "Maritime Cooperation-2026" joint exercise, both the Chinese Navy and the Singapore Navy dispatched a frigate for joint training. The comprehensive performance and combat capabilities of the frigates sent by both sides are at the same level, allowing for a very harmonious joint exercise process. Moreover, whether conducting training for maritime formations or communications, including firepower strikes against maritime target areas, both sides can fully showcase the performance of their combat platforms and the training levels of their personnel, which is also a very important opportunity for mutual learning and progress. At the same time, during the joint exercise, naval personnel from both sides can exchange insights and experiences regarding the operation methods of advanced maritime combat platforms, as well as responses and handling of maritime situations, achieving common progress. Throughout the joint exercise, the naval personnel of both countries will become more familiar with each other, providing a rare opportunity for joint learning and friendship.

What signals does the regular conduct of this series of exercises between China and Singapore send?

Wei Dongxu: The fifth joint maritime cooperation exercise between the navies of China and Singapore indicates that the cooperation and mutual trust between the two militaries, especially the two navies, are continuously advancing and becoming deeper. Whether in terms of defense cooperation or military exchanges, there is already a normalized cooperation mechanism in place. During the joint exercise, naval personnel from both countries can learn together and complement each other's strengths and weaknesses. More importantly, as mutual trust strengthens and the joint exercise mechanism continues to improve, the navies of China and Singapore can jointly maintain peace and stability in the maritime areas of the Asia-Pacific region. Through continuous cooperation, the navies of China and Singapore have reached more consensus, and within the framework of the joint exercise, the content of the exercises is continuously upgraded and improved, which is a very important learning opportunity for both sides.