Chinese PLA Navy warships set sail for Singapore for joint military drills and defense expo

China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) has sent warships to Singapore to participate in a bilateral joint military drill and an international defense expo. The events promote military openness and understanding in the South China Sea and reflect the pragmatic cooperation between Chinese and Singaporean militaries. The guided-missile frigate Yulin and minesweeper hunter Chibi joined the China-Singapore Exercise Maritime Cooperation 2023 and International Maritime Defense Exhibition Asia. The drill, the flagship bilateral maritime exercise carried out by the two countries, highlights the close relationship between them, enhances mutual trust, understanding, and people-to-people ties between their armed forces. The PLA Navy delegation also visited the IMDEX Asia and joined an international maritime security seminar. By participating in IMDEX Asia, the PLA Navy will promote military openness and understanding with not only Singapore but also other countries in the region. This enhances the capabilities of China and Singapore in keeping sea lanes safe and open through naval escorting and minesweeping.