Beijing offers to 'break new ground for cooperation' as SAF and PLA look to deepen relations

SINGAPORE — China has offered to "break new ground for cooperation" between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) as both countries look to deepen their defence relations, Chinese state media reported on Friday (Sept 22).

"Military ties are an important part of bilateral ties between the two countries, and China is willing to break new ground for cooperation with Singapore," the official Xinhua news agency quoted Chinese Defence Minister General Chang Wanquan telling his visiting Singaporean counterpart, Dr Ng Eng Hen.

The two defence ministers met in Beijing on Thursday on the sidelines of a three-day official visit to China by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and a delegation that included Dr Ng, Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, and other senior officials.

During their visit, Mr Lee and the Singapore delegation held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang, legislative chief Zhang Dejiang and anti-corruption czar Wang Qishan.

Xinhua quoted Gen Chang telling Dr Ng that that "leaders of both countries attach great importance to the development of bilateral relations, and the two countries should back each other on their core interests and major concerns."

The Xinhua report, however, did not elaborate on what the Chinese general meant by "new ground for cooperation".

In a Facebook post on Friday, Dr Ng wrote that the two countries' armed forces could step up bilateral naval and army exercises as they explore "concrete and practical ways" to deepen defence relations.

He added that Gen Chang, who is also a Chinese State Councilor, "fully supported more and frequent high level exchanges among top commanders in the PLA and the SAF."

In a separate statement, Singapore's Ministry of Defence said Dr Ng and Gen Chang "reaffirmed the commitment to deepen defence ties and build mutual trust and practical cooperation between both countries", adding that the bilateral defence relationship is "built on shared strategic interests to enhance bilateral ties and to promote stability and progress for the region".

During their talks, Dr Ng said Mindef would do its part to improve cooperation between China and Asean (Association of South-east Asian Nations), and promote stability in the region. Singapore will take over the rotating chairmanship of Asean next year. Dr Ng also invited Gen Chang to visit Singapore.