Taiwan condemned the planned naval exercises by China and Indonesia off the island’s east coast
Kyiv • UNN
Taiwan called the planned exercises by China and Indonesia off its east coast dangerous, accusing Beijing of trying to create the impression of control over the waters. Taipei is demanding an explanation from Indonesia.
Taiwan called the planned naval exercises by China and Indonesia in the waters east of the island “dangerous,” saying that Beijing is trying to create the impression in the international community that it controls the area. Reuters reports, UNN writes.
Details
China’s Ministry of Defense said the exercises would take place in mid-August and would be conducted as navigation drills. An Indonesian Navy vessel will take part. This is an unusual format for Beijing, as the Chinese military does not usually conduct exercises with foreign forces near Taiwan.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council called the planned maneuvers a “military provocation” and urged Beijing to halt them. Taipei said that China is attempting to establish its presence in the waters east of the island following recent coast guard patrols.
Taiwan demands explanations from Indonesia
The Taiwanese side said that China’s actions were intended to create the false impression that Beijing has jurisdiction over these waters. At the same time, Wu Tien-jen, Taiwan’s assistant deputy chief of the General Staff for intelligence, said that the Indonesian warship was returning from Japan and had not arrived specifically for the exercises.
According to him, the vessel was approximately 70–80 nautical miles from Taiwan’s east coast.
From a military standpoint, this has no direct impact on Taiwan. It has geopolitical significance
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs separately asked Indonesia to explain its participation in the exercises. The Indonesian Navy and the country’s Ministry of Defense have not yet commented on the situation.
Meanwhile, Taiwan is holding its annual Han Kuang military exercises, during which its forces practice scenarios for repelling a possible Chinese attack. The Chinese military conducts operations around the island almost daily; Beijing considers it part of its territory.