Taiwan condemns China's plan for navy drill with Indonesia off island's east

Taiwan has vehemently condemned China's upcoming joint naval drill with Indonesia off the island's eastern coast, alleging Beijing aims to create a false impression of its territorial claims. China maintains that Taiwan is a part of its territory and asserts authority over the surrounding waters. The Chinese defense ministry revealed yesterday that a Chinese warship and an Indonesian frigate will carry out a "passage exercise" amid the East China Sea in mid-August, stating the drill will enhance joint operational capabilities and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability.

Taiwan's chief China policy body responded harshly, strongly condemning the Chinese military provocation as an attempt to falsely imply Beijing's jurisdiction over the area and infringe on Taiwan's national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. The Indonesian military has not yet commented on the matter. China's announcement follows Taiwan's ongoing large-scale military exercises, aimed at preparing its populace for a potential Chinese invasion.

Beijing routinely deploys warships, fighter jets, and coast guard vessels near Taiwan to reinforce its sovereignty claim. Last June, Chinese vessels began patrolling a Western Pacific area near Taiwan's eastern coast, which Taipei labeled as "provocative" and "expansionism in disguise." During this operation, Chinese coast guard vessels first radioed cargo ships passing by Taiwan for crew and destination information.

Last week, China's Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration announced "traffic control measures" for the Taiwan Strait as Typhoon Dolphin approached, requiring ships to strictly comply with regulations, seek shelter in safe waters, and follow directives from maritime authorities. Taiwan's MAC described this order as a "trampling of international norms" and "utterly ridiculous."