China and Indonesia Conduct Joint Naval Drills East of Taiwan

The Government of China and the Indonesian Navy completed a joint naval navigation exercise in the Pacific waters east of Taiwan on August 12, 2026. The operation involved the Chinese naval vessel Honghe and the Indonesian frigate KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai, focusing on maritime communications, formation maneuvers, and underway replenishment.

Chinese military authorities stated the exercise followed a pre-arranged plan to demonstrate practical cooperation and a commitment to regional stability. State-backed commentary further asserted that the move demonstrates China's sovereign rights over the area. Conversely, the Indonesian Navy characterized the interaction as routine passing exercises conducted while the KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai was returning from Russia, stating the drills were not related to war fighting.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council condemned the operation as a military provocation and political manipulation intended to create a false international impression that China has jurisdiction over the waters. While Major General Wu Tien-jen noted the event had no direct military impact on Taiwan, he emphasized its geopolitical significance. The drills coincided with Taiwan's annual Han Kuang war games and a meeting in Jakarta between U.S. Undersecretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby and Indonesian Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.