China and Indonesia Conduct Joint Naval Drills East of Taiwan
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) naval vessel Honghe and the Indonesian frigate KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai carried out joint maritime drills in waters east of Taiwan on August 12. The exercises included maritime communications and formation maneuvers. While Beijing characterized the drills as a regional partnership, Indonesia’s Navy stated the frigate was conducting "passing exercises" while returning from a multinational drill in Russia. The U.S. State Department urged Beijing to cease military pressure against Taiwan following the operation.