China, Indonesia to Hold Joint Naval Drills East of Taiwan

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and the Indonesian Navy are set to conduct joint navigation exercises in the waters east of Taiwan in mid-August. According to China's Ministry of National Defense, the Chinese vessel Honghe will participate alongside an Indonesian Navy frigate.

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The activities are intended to improve the two navies’ ability to conduct joint operations, deepen practical cooperation and contribute to regional peace and stability.

These exercises, which will include communications drills and at-sea replenishment operations, are intended to enhance the navies' capabilities for joint operations and deepen practical cooperation. The Chinese Defense Ministry stated that the activities aim to contribute to regional peace and stability. The chosen location, east of Taiwan, faces the Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Sea, and is not geographically close to Indonesia or the South China Sea.

The planned drills follow closely on the heels of the Philippines submitting an official maritime map to the United Nations on July 29, 2026. This map delineates its maritime jurisdiction over the Scarborough Shoal. China has asserted its sovereignty over the shoal, known as Huangyan Dao, and has criticized the Philippines' move as a violation of international law and China's territorial sovereignty.

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China is the only country entitled to establish the baselines of the territorial sea of Huangyan Dao under international law.

Senior Colonel Chen Xi, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, stated that China has continuously exercised sovereignty over Huangyan Dao and accused the Philippines of violating international law and norms. He described China's military activities around the shoal as lawful and justified warnings against what Beijing perceives as Philippine provocations. The joint exercise east of Taiwan also follows a recent visit by a PLA Navy Task Force to Surabaya, Indonesia, from August 2 to 6, 2026.

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China’s military activities were intended as a warning against what Beijing considers Philippine violations and provocations.