| Hakim Hayat |
THE People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy ships CNS Chang Chun, CNS Jing Zhou and CNS Chao Hu are in Brunei Darussalam on a three-day visit to forge closer relations with their Bruneian counterparts.
Brunei Darussalam is the 18th country they have visited since they began their voyage from Shanghai on April 23, 2017. The Chinese fleet is commanded by Rear Admiral Shen Hao, Commander-in-Chief of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy Task Group 150 and the Deputy Commander of Eastern Theater Command of the PLA Navy, People’s Republic of China.
The PLA-N will conduct a bilateral Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Royal Brunei Navy’s (RBN) KDB DARUSSALAM today. The PASSEX will see the navy ships participating in communication drills and manoeuvering exercises aimed at enhancing interoperability between the two navies. The conduct of the PASSEX underscores the growing defence and military relations between Brunei Darussalam and the People’s Republic of China. Both countries also interact regularly through high-level visits and exchanges among personnel at all levels.
On Monday, First Admiral (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Abdul Aziz bin Haji Mohd Tamit, the Deputy Minister of Defence and Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) also met with Rear Admiral Shen Hao in separate courtesy calls at the Ministry of Defence Building in Bolkiah Garrison.
The Deputy Minister of Defence also attended a reception hosted by the PLA-N onboard the CNS Chang Chun as the guest of honour. Commander of the RBAF; Captain (Rtd) Dato Paduka Abdul Rahman bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, RBN, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence; service commanders as well as other senior officers and officers of the Ministry of Defence and the RBAF were also present.
During this visit, RBN and PLA-N will also participate in various professional exchanges, in addition to sport interactions, that will enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two navies. The Chinese fleet will be making its next port call at the Sihanouk Ville Autonomous Port, Cambodia.
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