China's defense ministry announced on Tuesday that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) will conduct joint naval training with Indonesia in waters east of Taiwan. The drill is scheduled for mid-August and will feature the Chinese navy's Type 054A frigate Honghe and the Indonesian Navy frigate KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai.
According to a statement by China's defense ministry, the exercise will focus on communications and at-sea replenishment. The ministry stated that the drill aims at 'enhancing the two navies’ capabilities for joint operations, deepening practical cooperation and contributing to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region.'
The exercise is aimed at 'enhancing the two navies’ capabilities for joint operations, deepening practical cooperation and contributing to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region.'
The exercise will be the PLA's first drill with a foreign navy in the waters east of Taiwan. The planned activities do not appear to involve combat operations.
Taiwanese authorities protested against the exercise plan on Tuesday, labeling it a 'provocation.' Taiwan condemned the planned drill as 'dangerous.' Taipei says Beijing was trying to create a false impression that it controls waters east of Taiwan, where the drills were conducted.
The joint naval exercises between China and Indonesia have raised concerns over Beijing's more assertive conduct in disputed waters.
