China Claims Joint Naval Drill with Indonesia in Eastern Waters off Taiwan; Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Only Beijing Would Maliciously Provoke

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy and Force Development, Elbridge Colby, recently began a Southeast Asia tour, arriving in Indonesia on the 11th. On the same day, China's Ministry of National Defense announced that the Chinese and Indonesian navies would conduct a joint drill in waters east of Taiwan in mid-August to enhance their naval interoperability. In response, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on the 12th, strongly condemning China's 'arbitrary and irresponsible actions.' Regarding China's unilateral claim that Indonesia will participate in the so-called 'drill,' Taiwan immediately sought clarification from all relevant parties and requested Indonesia to provide clarification.

According to international media reports, Colby met with Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in Jakarta on the 11th. Shortly after, on the evening of the 11th, China's Ministry of National Defense issued a statement titled 'Chinese and Indonesian naval vessels to conduct passage drills east of Taiwan Island,' announcing that the Chinese Navy and the Indonesian Navy's frigate 'Lai' would conduct passage drills in waters east of Taiwan in mid-August. The focus would be on communication drills and underway replenishment, aiming to enhance joint operational capabilities, deepen practical cooperation, and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability.

As reported by Radio France Internationale (RFI), the Indonesian Navy clarified on the 12th that the vessel would conduct exercises with countries along its return route. Regarding the planned exercise with China in waters east of Taiwan, the Indonesian Navy spokesperson emphasized that the drill is not intended for 'combat' but is merely a 'passage exercise,' consistent with Indonesia's non-aligned foreign policy. Wu Tian-ren, Deputy Director of the Intelligence Division at Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense, stated during a legislative hearing on the 12th that Indonesia has pre-planned drills not only with China but also with Japan, the United States, and other nations along the route.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that China has once again disregarded international norms and responsibilities, further escalating regional tensions. It strongly condemned China's irresponsible and unilateral actions. Regarding China's unilateral assertion that Indonesia will participate in the so-called 'drill,' Taiwan immediately sought clarification from all parties and requested Indonesia to clarify the matter. It is now confirmed that among all parties around the First Island Chain, only the Beijing authorities engage in such malicious, irresponsible, and unilateral actions that threaten regional stability and create insecurity.

The Ministry emphasized that, as a responsible member of the region, Taiwan will uphold its consistent stance of defending its territory, actively safeguard sovereignty and sovereign rights in its eastern waters, and work with regional partners to ensure freedom of navigation and regional security and stability.