Singapore, China to do more on defense exchanges, security cooperation: defense minister

The 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum has provided different perspectives with large representations from various sides, said Singaporean Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen on the sidelines of the forum held from Thursday to Saturday, noting Singapore and China will do more on defense exchanges and security cooperation.

With unprecedented large participation from over 100 countries and organizations and held under the theme of "Promoting Peace for a Shared Future," the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum featured discussions on global security, regional stability, and innovative technologies in defense.

"This is my 10th visit to China as defense minister, and the sixth to the Xiangshan Lun Tan, Xiangshan Forum. You hear a different perspective, because the participants here, this time, the Xiangshan Forum has a large representation from the African states, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization type of partners, as well as Central Asia. They give a different perspective in terms of the interpretation of global events," Ng Eng Hen said.

Earlier this month, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) held a joint maritime exercise near Zhanjiang in Guangdong Province, south China.

The China-Singapore Exercise Cooperation 2024 is the first bilateral joint exercise held between the Chinese and Singaporean navies in China.

The exercise is expected to consolidate the regular mechanism for the navies of China and Singapore to alternately host joint exercises every year.

"With China, we have a number of common issues as well as common perspectives, so we found the SAF and the PLA exercises very meaningful. We signed a defense and security exchange, and that forms a basis to continue these exchanges and exercises, which we will do regularly and now committed to do more of it," said the Singaporean defense minister.

Singapore, China to do more on defense exchanges, security cooperation: defense minister

China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Tuesday held lantern fairs to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, while a spectacular drone show illuminated the night sky above the Victoria Harbor.

The festival is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, which fell on Sept 17 this year. It is a traditionally cherished occasion for family reunions, when family members share mooncakes and light lanterns.

A bright and gorgeous lantern fair combining elements of traditional Chinese culture and the unique style of Hong Kong was held on Tuesday night in Hong Kong's Victoria Park, where local residents and tourists can not only learn about the process of making a handcrafted lantern, but also participate in diversified activities like guessing lantern riddles.

During the festival, traditional folk activities including lantern fairs were held across Hong Kong, creating strong festive atmosphere and attracting flocks of residents and tourists.

"We have come to Victoria Park today to feel the atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival. [The lanterns] are quite beautiful and gorgeous," said Liu, a local resident.

At around 20:00 on Tuesday, a splendid drone show illuminated the night sky above the Victoria Harbor, with more than 1,000 drones forming patterns of rabbits, lanterns and mooncakes, conveying festive blessings to people in Hong Kong.

"This year's lanterns are more beautiful than ever before. Meanwhile, the drone shows are getting more and more exciting each time, as we can see that the patterns and technologies are constantly improving. At the same time, the National Day is approaching. I would like to wish our country a happy birthday, and I wish the motherland prosperity and the people a better life," said Ko Chung Kit, another local resident.

Hong Kong holds lantern fairs, drone show to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival