On September 5, 2023, troops and equipment from China, designated to participate in the China-Singapore joint army training exercise titled “Cooperation-2023”, arrived at Singapore’s Changi Air Base via aerial transportation. The combined military exercises will take place in the vicinity of Singapore Army’s 3rd Division camp.
This joint exercise is themed around “Urban Counter-Terrorism Operations”. Both sides will focus on training areas that include sniper tactics, close-quarters combat, parachuting, and hostage rescue missions. The aim of the mixed-unit training is to strengthen traditional military friendships and to test and enhance both nations’ capabilities in urban counter-terrorism operations.
The Chinese contingent participating in this exercise is primarily drawn from a brigade of the 74th Group Army. These troops had previously undergone intensive training, especially focusing on individual soldier skills and squad tactical coordination, to bolster their proficiency in urban counter-terrorism combat. This is the fifth joint training exercise between the armies of China and Singapore. The command of the Chinese training team expressed hopes of furthering collaboration areas, deepening cooperation levels, and enhancing the capabilities and mutual trust of both sides.
Earlier, on May 1st, the joint maritime exercise “China-Singapore Cooperation-2023” culminated with a closing ceremony at the command building of the Singapore Navy fleet. This marked the successful completion of the five-day naval drill. During the exercise, the Chinese navy’s missile frigate Yulin, and mine countermeasures vessel Chibi collaborated with Singapore’s missile frigate “Fearless” and mine countermeasures vessel “Punggol” to accomplish nearly ten different training missions.
Both countries’ naval personnel engaged in professional medical exchanges and damage control training. After the Chinese navy fleet arrived in Singapore on April 27th, their personnel visited Singaporean naval museums, and damage control training centers, and had the opportunity for ship tours, professional exchanges, and cultural activities. This served to deepen mutual understanding and trust.
Throughout the naval drills, both the Chinese and Singaporean navies completed exercises such as mine guidance, maritime supply positioning, live-fire exercises, joint search and rescue, and medical evacuation. The exercises further honed the abilities of the military personnel to undertake diverse missions.