China and Indonesia conduct naval drills east of Taiwan

China and Indonesia have conducted joint naval exercises in the waters east of Taiwan. The drills, which included maritime communications, formation maneuvers, and replenishment at sea, involved the Chinese vessel Honghe and the Indonesian frigate KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the activity as “wilful and irresponsible behaviour,” stating that Beijing’s actions disregard international norms and escalate regional tensions. Taiwan has sought clarification from all involved parties, specifically requesting further details from Jakarta.

Indonesia has characterized the activity as a routine “passing exercise” (PASSEX) conducted by its vessel while returning from Vladivostok, Russia. An Indonesian Navy spokesman confirmed the vessel participated in exercises along its route but did not explicitly mention the joint nature of the drill with China.

The United States State Department has urged Beijing to cease its military pressure on Taiwan and called on other nations to promote peaceful resolutions to cross-Strait issues rather than amplifying destabilizing rhetoric.