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China and Indonesia hold drill east of Taiwan
China and Indonesia's exercise east of Taiwan has renewed a dispute over security and control of surrounding waters.
What happened
China and Indonesia conducted a joint naval exercise in waters east of Taiwan, involving communications, formation manoeuvres, replenishment and a passing exercise. Taiwan called it a military provocation that could create an impression of Chinese jurisdiction there. China described the drill as cooperation for regional peace and stability; Indonesia called it routine.
Numbers
- 1stjoint naval drill near Taiwan
- 2 frigatesChinese and Indonesian vessels involved
- June 2026eastern coast guard patrols began
Questions
- What did the crews practise?
- The training covered maritime communications, formation manoeuvres, at-sea replenishment and a passing exercise between participating vessels during the drill.
- How unusual was the exercise?
- China generally does not hold exercises with foreign militaries near Taiwan, making Indonesian participation unusual in this location.
- What purpose did China give?
- The PLA stated that the drill would build practical cooperation and help both navies safeguard regional peace and stability.
- What activity came before this?
- China began coast guard patrols east of Taiwan in June, prompting anger in Taipei and concern in Washington.
- How did Indonesia describe it?
- Indonesia described the drill as routine after its navy and defence ministry had not responded to earlier requests for comment.
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Support and opposition
Who supports this, and why
Chinese military — The exercise builds operational cooperation and helps both navies safeguard regional peace and stability.
Who opposes this, and why
Taiwan's government — Holding exercises east of Taiwan changes the status quo and projects a false claim of jurisdiction.
The catch
No precise location was released, and reporting differs over how Indonesia's participation was initially confirmed.