Chinese frigate opens to public at Singapore exhibition

Chinese navy vessel Xuchang opened to the public on the sidelines of the International Maritime Defense Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia 2025 in Singapore on Thursday, with more than 1,000 visitors boarding the ship docked at Changi Naval Base.

It was also the closing day of IMDEX Asia 2025, one of the most influential defense events in Asia which opened on Tuesday at the Changi Exhibition Center. China has participated in the exhibition for many consecutive sessions.

This edition of the exhibition attracted more than 100 companies from around the world, displaying the latest maritime sci-tech achievements in artificial intelligence technology, ship power systems and other aspects.

The Type 054A missile frigate Xuchang and Type 082II minesweeper Chishui – both domestically developed – starred as China's floating ambassadors at the exhibition.

More than 1,000 visitors, including overseas Chinese and foreign military personnel, streamed across their decks during guided tours that blended hardware displays with cultural diplomacy.

Aboard the 4,000-tonne Xuchang, sailors carefully orchestrated visits from stern to bow, explaining the history of the People's Liberation Army Navy between displays of missile systems and radar equipment.

"It is my first time here, and I feel overwhelmed. It is much larger than what I imagined. And I see many kinds of weapons, none of them I've ever seen before," said a Chinese student in Singapore.

At a deck reception on Thursday evening, sailors on frigate Xuchang played Zheng, a 21-or 25-stringed plucked instrument, did Tai Chi and performed face-changing from Sichuan Opera.

"I experienced a lot of diversity in cultural stuff, and it's very fortunate to come," said a Singaporean naval soldier.

"It's great, I think. I thank you for your colleagues and your welcoming. So I think it's great, I made a few friends on board the ship here. Because I'm Chinese myself, I kind of like the culture," said another seaman from Singapore.

From Tuesday to Thursday, the Chinese Navy participated in various activities organized by the host, including the opening ceremony, a welcome reception, and professional exchanges.

Through friendly and open interactions, the Chinese naval soldiers impressed the visitors as being open, cooperative, and confident.

Xuchang, with the hull number 536, is a Type 054A guided missile frigate developed domestically by China with a full load displacement of over 4,000 tonnes. It is capable of carrying out sea assault, air defense and anti-missile missions. Since it was commissioned in 2017, the ship has participated in a number of major training and exercise missions and maritime escort operations.