China, Indonesia plan naval drill in waters east of Taiwan Island

China and Indonesia have announced plans to conduct a joint naval exercise in waters east of Taiwan Island, prompting condemnation from Taiwan authorities. According to the Chinese Defense Ministry, the exercise will involve the Chinese Navy’s Honghe warship and an Indonesian Navy frigate, with activities including communications drills and at-sea replenishment. The move marks another step in expanding bilateral naval cooperation between the two nations. The planned exercise is set to take place in mid-August 2026. It follows a goodwill visit by the PLA Navy Task Group 83 to Surabaya, East Java, from August 2 to June 2026. During this visit, the task group engaged in diplomatic exchanges with Indonesian military and government officials. PLA cadets and personnel also participated in cultural and sporting activities at the Indonesian Naval Academy. While the Honghe was docked at Tanjung Perak Port, members of the public, including Indonesian citizens and Chinese nationals residing in Indonesia, were permitted to board the Qijiguang training ship. Additionally, Chinese naval cadets visited the KRI Bima Suci training vessel, which had previously made three trips to China in 2019, 2024, and May 2026. The exercise is framed by the Chinese Defense Ministry as a means to enhance joint naval operations, strengthen practical cooperation, and collectively ensure regional peace and stability. This aligns with broader efforts by both nations to bolster maritime security and interoperability. The timing of the exercise coincides with increased strategic engagement between China and Indonesia, reflecting their shared interests in maintaining order in the South China Sea and beyond. In response to the announcement, Taiwan’s authorities expressed concern over the potential implications of the exercise. A spokesperson for Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the planned drill could undermine regional stability and raise tensions in the area. The statement emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all parties involved. Taiwan has long maintained a delicate balance in its relations with both China and Indonesia, seeking to preserve its autonomy while engaging in cross-strait dialogue. Indonesia, meanwhile, has continued to engage in multilateral naval exercises to reinforce its maritime capabilities. In addition to the planned exercise with China, the country recently participated in a joint maritime security drill with Malaysia and Singapore. Furthermore, 35 Indonesian marines joined the RIMPAC 2026 exercise in Hawaii, underscoring Indonesia’s commitment to international military collaboration. These initiatives reflect Indonesia’s growing role in regional security matters and its efforts to maintain a balanced foreign policy amid rising geopolitical tensions. The exercise is likely to draw attention from neighboring states and international observers, given the sensitive nature of the region. While China and Indonesia have sought to frame the activity as a peaceful and cooperative endeavor, the proximity of the exercise to Taiwan raises questions about its strategic intent. Analysts suggest that such exercises can serve multiple purposes, including demonstrating naval prowess, testing operational readiness, and reinforcing alliances. As the exercise approaches, further details on its scope and objectives are expected to emerge.