Indonesia Clarifies Controversial Navy Drill With China Amid Taiwan Tensions
JAKARTA/TAIPEI — Indonesia has clarified that its recent naval exercise with China in waters east of Taiwan was a routine “passing exercise” (PASSEX) and not related to combat operations. The clarification came after Taipei expressed alarm, calling the drill a dangerous “military provocation”.
The exercise, which concluded on Wednesday morning, involved the Chinese naval vessel Honghe and the Indonesian frigate KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai. According to the Chinese Defense Ministry, the drill focused on maritime communications, formation maneuvering, and replenishment at sea. Chinese military experts described the operation as a demonstration of China’s sovereign rights over the exclusive economic zone east of Taiwan.
Indonesia’s Navy spokesperson, First Admiral Tunggul, stated that the exercise was a standard international protocol conducted while the Indonesian warship was returning home from a visit to Russia. He emphasized that such exercises are common goodwill engagements between navies worldwide.
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Taiwan’s Response: Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council condemned the drill as a “military provocation” and a form of “political manipulation”.
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US Reaction: The United States urged China to cease military pressure on Taiwan and called on other nations to encourage a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues.
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Broader Context: The exercise follows recent Chinese coast guard patrols near Taiwan and coincides with Taiwan’s annual Han Kuang war games.
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