China, Indonesia to Hold Joint Naval Drills East of Taiwan
China and Indonesia plan joint naval drills east of Taiwan in mid-August, amid tensions between Beijing and Manila over Scarborough Shoal.
The Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and the Indonesian Navy (TNI) are set to conduct joint naval drills in August, east of Taiwan, according to China's Ministry of National Defense. The exercise will involve the Chinese Navy vessel Honghe and an Indonesian Navy frigate, as reported by Antara. The drills will encompass communications exercises and at-sea replenishment operations.
These joint exercises aim to enhance cooperation between the two navies, promoting regional peace and stability. This planned exercise follows the Philippines' submission of a maritime map to the UN, outlining its maritime jurisdiction over Scarborough Shoal on July 29, 2026. China claims the shoal as part of its territory, while the Philippines claims it as part of its sovereign territory.
China's spokesperson, Colonel Chen Xi, accused the Philippines of violating China's territorial sovereignty and international law by submitting the maritime map to the UN. The exercise also coincides with a recent visit by the Chinese PLA Navy Task Force 83 to Surabaya, East Java, where they held talks with Indonesian military and government officials.
Written by urgent.news from Tempo.co English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
