International News: China, Indonesia to hold naval drills East of Taiwan

By Zoila Palma: China and Indonesia will conduct joint naval exercises in waters east of Taiwan later this month, China’s Defence Ministry announced Tuesday, in an area where Beijing has been increasingly asserting its sovereignty claims over the island.

The ministry said a Chinese naval warship will conduct a joint “navigation exercise” with an Indonesian navy vessel in mid-August.

The exact location was not disclosed. The drills are expected to focus on communication exercises and at-sea replenishment, with China saying the activities are intended to strengthen the two navies’ operational capabilities, expand practical cooperation and promote regional peace and stability.

According to Reuters, the planned exercise comes as China continues to increase military and coast guard activity around Taiwan. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory, while Taiwan maintains that its future can only be decided by its people.

In June, China began coast guard patrols off Taiwan’s east coast, prompting concern in Taipei and among the United States and other Western governments.

Indonesia, like most countries, does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, although more than 300,000 Indonesian migrant workers live in Taiwan.

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