Taipei: Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced on Wednesday that it has reached out to Indonesia for clarification regarding a joint naval exercise east of Taiwan, which was announced by China. Jakarta has described its naval activities as "Passing Exercises" that are "not war-fighting in nature."
According to Focus Taiwan, China's Ministry of National Defense revealed on Tuesday that a Chinese Navy ship and an Indonesian Navy frigate would conduct a "navigation exercise" focusing on communications drills and replenishment at sea. This exercise is planned for mid-August in waters east of Taiwan.
In response, MOFA issued a statement on Wednesday morning indicating that Taiwan had "immediately contacted relevant parties" to understand the situation better and sought clarification from Indonesia following China's "unilateral claim" of its participation in the exercise. MOFA condemned China's actions as "arbitrary and irresponsible," accusing Beijing of ignoring international norms and responsibilities, thereby increasing regional tensions.
The ministry further criticized the Beijing authorities for engaging in "maliciously provocative and irresponsible" actions that threaten regional security. Taiwan reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and working with regional partners to ensure freedom of navigation and stability, though it did not specify any measures it would take.
Indonesia, meanwhile, has characterized its naval activities differently. In a statement to CNA, First Admiral Tunggul, head of the Indonesian Navy Information Service (Kadispenal), clarified that the frigate KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai-332 would conduct "Passing Exercises" with countries along its route as it returns to Indonesia from Vladivostok, Russia. The frigate had participated in Exercise Orruda 2026 with the Russian Navy.
The Indonesian Navy emphasized that these exercises are not combative but are a traditional naval practice when passing through another country's waters. They also serve as goodwill engagements and an expression of naval brotherhood and maritime diplomacy.
Indonesia's "free and active foreign policy" allows it to seek "mutually beneficial cooperation with any country," including conducting Passex activities with various nations. The statement did not mention China or Taiwan explicitly, nor did it specify the timing or location of the exercises, including whether they would occur in waters east of Taiwan.
China's defense ministry announcement did not provide details on the exact location, duration, or proximity of the exercise to Taiwan. The stated goal of the exercise is to enhance the ability of the two navies to conduct joint operations and safeguard regional peace and stability.
Despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations, Taiwan and Indonesia maintain representative offices in each other's capitals and have significant economic and labor connections. Bilateral trade reached US$11.27 billion in 2025, and over 335,000 Indonesian migrant workers were in Taiwan by the end of June 2026, according to Taiwanese government data.