China, Indonesia to hold first joint naval drills east of Taiwan, drawing protest from Taipei

China and Indonesia are set to conduct their first-ever joint naval exercise in waters east of Taiwan in mid-August, a move that has drawn strong condemnation from Taipei. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council labeled the drills a "military provocation" and demanded their immediate cessation, accusing China of attempting to create a false impression of jurisdiction over the waters east of the island by involving foreign navies.

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military provocation

The exercise, announced by China's Ministry of National Defense, will involve the Chinese naval vessel Honghe and the Indonesian naval frigate Laiho. The drills will focus on communication and navigation, with potential for underway replenishment. China's Ministry of National Defense stated the exercise aims to "enhance the joint operation capabilities of the two navies and deepen practical cooperation to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability."

This joint training marks the first time the Chinese navy has conducted exercises with a foreign navy in waters east of Taiwan. Chinese military expert Zhang Junxu asserted that China has sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its exclusive economic zone east of Taiwan, deeming the invitation of foreign vessels for training as normal. China has also been increasing its presence in the area with coast guard patrols since June.

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This is an attempt to give the international community a false impression that the Chinese Communist Party has jurisdiction over the waters east of Taiwan, and it is a rampant infringement of our country's sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

The announcement comes as Taiwan is conducting its own annual military drills, Han Kuang, from August 14 to August 16, which simulate defense against a potential Chinese invasion. China's move is seen as an attempt to assert its claims over Taiwan's eastern waters, particularly during Taiwan's period of heightened military readiness. The drills also follow recent naval exchanges between China and Indonesia, including visits to Surabaya by Chinese warships for engagements with the Indonesian navy.

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China has sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its exclusive economic zone east of Taiwan, and it is normal to invite foreign warships to train in Chinese-jurisdictional waters.