Taiwan responds furiously as China, Indonesia plan military exercise off coast

Taiwan has strongly rebuked China's proposal to conduct a military navigation exercise with an Indonesian warship in waters off Taiwan's eastern coast. The Taiwanese government requested Indonesia to provide additional details regarding the drill, which China announced for mid-August. Beijing has recently escalated its diplomatic efforts to isolate Taiwan, initiating coastguard patrols off the island's eastern coast in June.

Taiwan's Foreign Ministry condemned China's actions as "wilful and irresponsible," emphasizing the need for further clarification from all involved parties. China has been frequently patrolling near Taiwan's waters, but joint military exercises with foreign navies are uncommon. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that China's unilateral announcement demonstrated irresponsible behavior that threatened regional stability.

Indonesia's Navy Information Service confirmed the frigate's participation in a "passing exercise drill" with the People's Liberation Army Navy, stating that the drill was not a combat training but a goodwill engagement. Experts noted that while the exercise itself was routine, its timing and location, particularly following China's increased coastal presence and maritime enforcement operations, raised concerns in Taiwan.