RSN and PLA Navy conducted maritime security, warfare and rescue drills during exercise.
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) concluded the fifth edition of Exercise Maritime Cooperation (XMC) in Zhanjiang, China, on 9 September 2026. Held from 5 to 9 September, the exercise involved the RSN’s Formidable-class frigate RSS Steadfast and the PLA Navy’s Jiangkai-II-class frigate PLANS Dali.
During XMC 2026, the two navies conducted a series of maritime security and conventional warfare drills. The activities included gunnery firings, communications and manoeuvring exercises, as well as joint search and rescue and medical evacuation serials.
The exercise also featured an exchange of sea riders between the two navies, allowing personnel to gain direct exposure to each other’s maritime operations. Ashore, the participating forces conducted planning exercises and professional exchanges as part of the programme.
Speaking on the conduct of the exercise, RSN Deputy Fleet Commander Colonel Ng Yen Meng said, “Through these serials, we have strengthened our operational competencies and deepened the trust and understanding between our two navies, allowing us to strengthen relationships.”
He added that Exercise Maritime Cooperation 2026 represented “yet another milestone in our navies’ shared journey towards greater understanding and mutual trust”, while expressing his expectation for continued cooperation between the two navies.
The fifth edition of XMC provided opportunities for the RSN and PLA Navy to train together in maritime security, conventional warfare, search and rescue, and medical evacuation. The programme also supported professional interaction through the planning activities and exchanges conducted ashore.
Exercise Maritime Cooperation underscores the longstanding, warm and friendly bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and the People’s Republic of China. The exercise has continued to provide a platform for both navies to engage in practical training and professional exchanges.
Source: Ministry of Defence
