Archive · 11 Aug 2026
China-Indonesia naval drill near Taiwan highlights Asean's balancing act
China and Indonesia are going to practice sailing their navy ships together near Taiwan.
They will practice talking to each other and sharing fuel and supplies.
China says this helps the two navies work together better and keeps the area peaceful.
Taiwan is an island that China says belongs to it, but Taiwan says its people get to decide their own future.
Many countries in Southeast Asia want to be friends with China, but they also want to stay safe.
Not long ago, Chinese and Philippine sailors got into a fight at sea near Second Thomas Shoal, and one Philippine sailor got hurt.
Each country said the other one started it.
Because of this, nearby countries are trying hard not to pick a side between China and the United States.
It is like wanting to stay friends with everyone while a big argument is happening around you.
China and Indonesia will hold a joint naval exercise in waters east of Taiwan this month.
The drill includes communication exercises and at-sea replenishment, according to China's Defence Ministry.
The exercise follows a physical confrontation near Second Thomas Shoal that left a Philippine sailor injured, with Manila and Beijing blaming each other.
Indonesia has no formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but more than 300,000 Indonesian migrant workers live on the island.
The drill shows how Asean members balance economic ties with China, security concerns, and their desire for strategic autonomy amid the US-China rivalry.
- Who
- China and Indonesia, whose navies will conduct the exercise, alongside Asean members such as the Philippines affected by regional tensions.
- What
- A joint naval navigation exercise east of Taiwan, including communication drills and at-sea replenishment.
- When
- This month.
- Where
- Waters east of Taiwan, against the backdrop of disputes such as the recent confrontation near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.
- Why
- Beijing says the exercise aims to improve coordination between the two navies and promote regional stability; it also highlights Asean's difficult balancing act amid rising Indo-Pacific tensions.
Engagement stance
Pushback stance
Taiwan's status
Engagement stance
Beijing considers Taiwan part of China and asserts its sovereignty claims in waters around the island.
Pushback stance
Taipei rejects Chinese sovereignty claims and says Taiwan's future can only be decided by its people.
Blame for the Second Thomas Shoal confrontation
Engagement stance
Beijing blames Philippine maritime personnel for the physical confrontation.
Pushback stance
Manila blames Beijing and says a Philippine sailor was left injured in the clash.
Asean's approach to China
Engagement stance
Members such as Indonesia seek to protect their interests and keep room for manoeuvre without being drawn into the US-China rivalry.
Pushback stance
Members such as the Philippines take a more confrontational position toward China over disputed waters.
- Event
- China-Indonesia joint naval navigation exercise
- Location
- Waters east of Taiwan
- Timing
- This month
- Participants
- A Chinese warship and an Indonesian navy vessel
- Exercise activities
- Communication exercises and at-sea replenishment
- Stated aim
- Improve coordination between the two navies and promote regional stability
- Indonesian migrant workers in Taiwan
- More than 300,000
- Recent regional incident
- Physical confrontation near Second Thomas Shoal; a Philippine sailor was injured