Indonesia Confirms Naval Drill with China Amid Taiwan Wrath

Jakarta. Indonesia has confirmed that its warship will engage in a series of  "passing exercises" on the way back from Russia's Vladivostok amid Taiwan's wrath over the planned Chinese drills.

The Chinese Defense Ministry recently unveiled plans for a joint naval drill with Jakarta in the sensitive waters to the east of Taiwan this month. The announcement has ruffled Taiwan's feathers, with its government saying that such plans are "military provocation". Taiwan is even seeking "clarification" from Indonesia.

Asked about the exercises, Indonesian Navy spokesperson Tunggul replied that passing drills would soon be underway involving KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai-332 frigate. The warship is taking part in the bilateral naval military exercise with Russia. Tunggul, however, avoided mentioning China and Taiwan by name.

"KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai-332 will take part in passing exercises with countries that it passes by on its way home from Russia's Vladivostok," Tunggul told the Jakarta Globe on Wednesday.

He said that these passing drills were not intended for "war-fighting", but described them as part of a universal Navy tradition. He also called it a "goodwill engagement", an expression of "naval brotherhood", and "maritime diplomacy".

"Indonesia's 'free and active' foreign policy gives mutually beneficial opportunities with any country, including holding passing exercises with some countries," Tunggul said.

Tunggul did not immediately respond when asked the KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai-332's current whereabouts.

China views Taiwan as part of its territory. Indonesia adopts the "One China" policy, and consequently doesn't recognize Taiwan as an independent state. The Foreign Ministry did not respond to the Globe's question on whether Taiwan had approached them.