MUARA, Tuesday, 28 July 2026 – Two vessels from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) PLA-N Qi Jiguang (83) and PLA-N Kunlun Shan (998) successfully concluded a five-day goodwill visit to Brunei Darussalam, running from Friday, 24 July to Tuesday, 28 July 2026, at Muara Commercial Port.
Upon arrival, the delegation was warmly welcomed by Commander Ade Roddiane bin Haji Mohammad Rosdi, RBN, Deputy Fleet Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), alongside RBN officers and personnel.
The deployment featured a robust schedule of engagements designed to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen bilateral defence ties. Highlights included an official courtesy call by Senior Captain Xu Jianguo, Commander of PLA-N Task Group 83, on the RBN Fleet Commander, Captain Sonny Iskandar bin Rasani, RBN, which was followed by a formal luncheon.
Throughout the stay, personnel from both navies partook in reciprocal vessel tours to exchange operational expertise. Crew members from KDB AS-SIDDIQ and KDB AL-FARUQ also hosted the PLA-N for a vibrant sports exchange, featuring a spirited football match and a test of strength in a traditional tug-of-war. These recreational events underscored a shared commitment to fostering lasting camaraderie and mutual respect.
Educational and cultural immersion formed a core pillar of the itinerary. The visiting delegation toured the Officer Cadet School at the Defence Academy RBAF, where PLA-N cadets engaged in meaningful dialogue with RBN midshipmen. Additionally, the contingent explored the RBAF Museum at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), gaining valuable insight into the rich heritage and history of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.
Marking a significant diplomatic milestone, a reception celebrating the 99th Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army was hosted on board PLA-N Qi Jiguang. The event was graced by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Retired) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Coordinating Minister for National Security, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II, serving as the guest of honour. Also in attendance were Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces; First Admiral Sahibul Bahari bin Haji Zainal Abidin, Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy; alongside members of the RBAF Executive Board, senior officers, and invited dignitaries.
To engage the wider community, the RBN Band and the PLA-N Band delivered a joint public live performance at One City Shopping Centre. The musical showcase offered local residents a unique opportunity to experience cross-cultural harmonies and further cemented the ties of friendship between Brunei Darussalam and the People’s Republic of China.
The vessels departed Muara on 28 July 2026, given a formal send-off by Commander Norharirayati @ Norshawalliah binti Yakub, RBN, Deputy Commandant of Naval Training, together with supporting RBN personnel. As the PLA-N ships cleared the channel, they manoeuvred alongside KDB DARULAMAN and KDB AFIAT to conduct a Passage Exercise (PASSEX), bringing a fitting close to a visit that highlights the enduring, cordial partnership shared between the two maritime forces.
