Taiwan condemns 'dangerous' planned Chinese navy drill with Indonesia

China's defense ministry announced that the drill, scheduled for mid-August in an unspecified location east of Taiwan, would be a 'navigation exercise' with an Indonesian navy ship. This move is considered unusual, as China does not typically hold exercises with foreign militaries near Taiwan.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council stated that Beijing should 'immediately stop this dangerous behaviour that undermines the status quo.' The council added that China is attempting to create a false impression before the international community that it has jurisdiction over waters east of Taiwan. Taiwan's government affirmed it would continue to monitor developments and take necessary measures to safeguard national sovereignty and peace in the Taiwan Strait.

China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has increased military activity around the island. In June, China began coast guard patrols off Taiwan's east coast, drawing criticism from Taipei and concern from Washington and other Western capitals. Indonesia, like most countries, does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, although Taiwan is home to over 300,000 Indonesian migrant workers. Indonesia's navy has yet to comment on the planned drills.