China Sends Navy Ships for Joint Drills and Maritime Security Exhibition in Singapore Amid Growing Presence in South China Sea

China’s navy has sent two ships to participate in joint drills with Singapore’s navy and attend a maritime security exhibition in the Southeast Asian city-state. The exercises come at a time of heightened tensions as China continues to assert its sovereignty over virtually the entire South China Sea. The US has also recently conducted major exercises in Philippine waters facing the South China Sea, likely to anger China. The exercises coincide with the IMDEX Asia National Defense and Maritime Security Show, which will feature 25 warships and attendees from 62 countries. Singapore has sought to balance its relations with rival powers, the US and China. While China officially eschews military alliances, it has held an increasing number of drills with Russia, its chief partner in challenging Western dominance of international affairs. Recent drills with Russia and South Africa underline China’s strengthening relationships with those countries. However, China’s foreign minister has reiterated that China will not sell weapons to either side in the Ukraine conflict.