Taiwan condemns ‘dangerous’ planned Chinese navy drill with Indonesia

Taiwan's government has strongly condemned China's planned navy drills with an Indonesian warship, alleging Beijing's attempt to falsify control over the island's waters. China has been conducting coast guard patrols off Taiwan's east coast since June, which has angered Taipei and raised concerns in Washington and other Western capitals.

On Tuesday, China's defence ministry announced the mid-August drill involving an Indonesian navy ship, describing it as a "navigation exercise." However, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council called the drill a "military provocation" and urged China to cease its "dangerous behavior" that undermines the status quo. The statement emphasized that China's actions are a form of political manipulation, aiming to create a false impression before the international community that it has jurisdiction over waters east of Taiwan.

Taiwan's government pledged to closely monitor the situation, take necessary measures, and protect its sovereignty, as well as regional peace and stability. Indonesia's navy has not yet commented on the planned drills. China does not recognize Taiwan's government and routinely operates around the island. While Indonesia has no formal ties with Taiwan, the island hosts over 300,000 Indonesian migrant workers.

Taiwan maintains that only the Taiwanese people can determine their future and has repeatedly denounced Chinese military pressure.