The Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) Formidable-class frigate RSS Steadfast called at the People’s Liberation Army (Navy)’s [PLA(N)] Yangzijiang Naval Jetty in Shanghai on September 8.
According to Singapore Navy, the port call from 8 to 11 September 2016 will see an exchange of ship visits between personnel of the two navies, including a reception for the PLA(N) personnel on board RSS Steadfast.
Following the port call, RSS Steadfast will conduct a bilateral exercise with the PLA(N) Jiangkai II-class frigate Jingzhou. This exercise advances the progress in practical cooperation between the RSN and PLA(N) since the last bilateral naval exercise, Exercise Maritime Cooperation, in May 2015.
“The RSN cherishes the continued opportunities to call on the PLA(N) and exercise together. On a professional and personal level, we hope to continue our friendship and trust, to build a strong foundation for greater interoperability. I look forward to more meaningful collaboration between our navies,” RSN’s Fleet Commander Colonel Cheong Kwok Chien said.
RSS Steadfast recently completed the multinational Rim of the Pacific Exercise off the waters of Hawaii and is currently on the return leg of its three-month deployment. Shanghai is the ship’s final port of call before arriving in Singapore later this month.