Indonesia says naval exercise with China near Taiwan was routine diplomacy

The Indonesian Navy has clarified that a recent naval exercise conducted with China near Taiwan was a standard diplomatic engagement. The exercise, known as a passing exercise (PASSEX), took place in waters east of Taiwan as the Indonesian warship KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai-332 was returning home after joint drills with the Russian Navy in Vladivostok.

First Admiral Tunggul, Head of the Indonesian Navy Information Service, explained that PASSEXs are common international protocols. "Passing exercises are common goodwill engagements conducted by navies worldwide as a manifestation of naval camaraderie and maritime diplomacy inherent in warship operations," Tunggul stated. He emphasized that such activities are routine when warships transit near foreign waters and reflect Indonesia's commitment to its free and active foreign policy.

China's Ministry of National Defense corroborated the event, detailing that its naval vessel Honghe participated in joint navigation, communications procedures, and underway replenishment exercises with the Indonesian frigate. These drills occurred in the Pacific Ocean and Philippine Sea, off Taiwan's eastern coast, and importantly, outside the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

The Indonesian Navy stressed that the exercise was purely a diplomatic maneuver and part of its regular maritime engagements. It aimed to foster goodwill and demonstrate naval cooperation, aligning with Indonesia's broader foreign policy objectives of maintaining balanced relationships with various global powers.

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Passing exercises are common goodwill engagements conducted by navies worldwide as a manifestation of naval camaraderie and maritime diplomacy inherent in warship operations.