China’s navy yesterday said it is to conduct a joint drill with Indonesia in the waters east of Taiwan later this month.
Type 054A frigate Honghe is to hold a navigation exercise with a frigate from Indonesia’s navy in the middle of this month, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense said in a statement without specifying the start and end dates, the coordinates or the route.
Photo: AFP
The Indonesian Ministry of Defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Mainland Affairs Council last night strongly condemned the announcement, describing the military provocation as a severe infringement upon Taiwan’s sovereignty and a threat to regional security.
The government would continue to closely monitor the situation and take necessary and appropriate measures to firmly defend national sovereignty and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, the council added.
The drill is to focus on communication and replenishment at sea, aiming to promote joint operational capability and safeguard regional stability, the statement added.
The two navies have exercised together previously, but this is the first time that China publicly announced a training for both forces in waters east of Taiwan.
It also marks the first time that Beijing is working with a foreign country in those waters.
Beijing has stepped up its presence in the area in response to an announcement by Tokyo and Manila that they would hold talks to resolve their maritime disputes in that region.
Since then, China has dispatched its coast guard as well as a number of government vessels from various ministries to press its claims in the waters.
Beijing even questioned foreign commercial boats for the first time in an apparent effort to demonstrate its sovereignty.
The Honghe entered service in 2022 with the Eastern Theater Command. The Type-054A is the most numerous frigate of the Chinese navy.
Additional reporting by CNA