Seventh bilateral military exercise sharpens urban counter-terrorism skills and deepens strategic trust.
Singapore and China have launched another round of joint military training, reinforcing a long-standing defense relationship built on mutual trust, capability development and professional exchange.
Strengthening Strategic Defense Collaboration
The Singapore Armed Forces and China’s People’s Liberation Army commenced the seventh edition of Exercise Cooperation from December 10 to 17, 2025. The bilateral training, first launched in 2009, continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing operational readiness while strengthening diplomatic and military ties.
Urban Counter-Terrorism at SAFTI City
This year’s training focuses on urban counter-terrorism operations, marking the first time the battalion-level field exercise is conducted at Safti City. As Singapore’s first high-rise urban training facility, Safti City is equipped with smart instrumentation that provides real-time feedback, enabling realistic and complex training across various scenarios.
Joint Drills and Exchange of Expertise
Ninety personnel from the SAF’s 3rd Singapore Division and 1st Commando Battalion are training alongside 90 personnel from the PLA’s Southern Theatre Command Army’s 74th Army Group. Participants will conduct tactical drills, small-arms live firing, drone-based reconnaissance, patrol activities and team-building sessions to improve coordination and strengthen people-to-people ties.
Leadership Emphasizes Trust and Skills Development
During the opening ceremony, Colonel Yow Thiam Poh, Chief of Staff of the 3rd Singapore Division, highlighted that the exercise reflects “warm and friendly defence ties” between the two nations. Senior Colonel Chen Wenyan, Brigade Commander of the 74th Army Group, encouraged participants to uphold high combat standards while refining their operational skills. Both leaders emphasized mutual learning, professional growth and the importance of deepening strategic trust.
Sustained Defense Engagement
Exercise Cooperation is part of a broader framework of military exchanges involving high-level dialogues, academic programs and course cross-attendance. These ongoing interactions reaffirm the commitment of both countries to maintain constructive defense relations and enhance regional stability.
A Platform for Shared Growth
Through repeated joint exercises and continuous engagement, Singapore and China aim to expand collaborative opportunities, improve military professionalism and build a resilient foundation for future security cooperation.
The continued evolution of Exercise Cooperation reflects the growing importance of stable and collaborative defense ties in the region. For both Indonesians and Singaporeans, such partnerships demonstrate how consistent engagement and shared training contribute to a safer and more secure Southeast Asia, fostering trust across borders even amid complex global challenges.
Sources: Straits Times (2025) , Mindef GOV SG (2025)
Keywords: Singapore Armed Forces, People’s Liberation Army, Exercise Cooperation, Urban Training, Counter Terrorism, Military Collaboration
