Admiral Dong Jun strengthens Singapore-China defence relations during his visit and participation in the Shangri-La Dialogue.

Singapore, 2 June 2024 – Admiral (ADM) Dong Jun, China’s Minister of National Defense, is conducting his introductory visit to Singapore from May 30 to June 2, 2024. ADM Dong’s visit includes attending the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD). Upon arrival, he was welcomed by a Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and co-chaired the third Singapore-China Defence Ministers’ Dialogue (DMD) with Singapore’s Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen.

The DMD, initiated under the enhanced Agreement on Defence Exchanges and Security Cooperation (ADESC) signed in 2019, provided a platform for both ministers to reaffirm the positive momentum in the bilateral defence relationship. They discussed regular high-level exchanges, military-to-military interactions, and growing academic exchanges between their defence establishments. Both ministers also expressed support for the sixth edition of Exercise Cooperation between the Armies and the third edition of Exercise Maritime Cooperation between the Navies in China this year. These exercises aim to strengthen professional and personal ties, enhancing mutual trust and understanding. They also exchanged views on global and regional security issues.

During his visit, ADM Dong will meet Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean. Additionally, ADM Dong will tour Changi Naval Base, visiting the Republic of Singapore Navy’s Formidable-class frigate RSS Steadfast and the Singapore Navy Museum. The Formidable-class frigates have previously conducted exercises with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), most recently during the second edition of Exercise Maritime Cooperation in 2023.

ADM Dong’s visit underscores the longstanding and warm bilateral defence relations between Singapore and China. He will also speak at a plenary session titled “China’s Approach to Global Security” on June 2, 2024, during the 21st SLD.

Source – MINDEF