According to a report released by the Department of Defense on the 11th, in mid-August, the Chinese Navy’s Red River ship will conduct navigation drills with the Indonesian Navy’s ‘Le’ frigate in waters east of Taiwan Island. This is the first time that navies from China and Indonesia have conducted drills in this area, which has attracted international attention.
Marine military expert Zhang Junshe told the Observer Network that this joint exercise is of great significance. It demonstrates China's sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the exclusive economic zone east of Taiwan Island, conveying a clear position to the outside world.
The Red River ship is a 054A type missile frigate independently developed by our country. It has the honorary title of "Sea Tiger Ship". The Indonesian Navy's "Lei" frigate, which participates in operations with the Red River ship, is one of the current main surface ships of the Indonesian Navy. Its full load displacement is approximately 2800 tons, and it can carry out tasks such as maritime patrols, escort missions, anti-ship, and anti-submarine operations.
Malaysian defense media outlet “Defence Security Asia” described the exercise as “unprecedented”. Some Western media have hyped up the situation, claiming that China has always tried to strengthen its sovereignty claims through such actions, which has caused concern among countries like the United States. Reuters also used the phrase “unusual” in its report on the 12th, stating that China typically does not conduct any kind of exercises with foreign forces near Taiwan Island.
Zhang Junshi emphasized that the waters east of Taiwan Island are China's territorial sea, exclusive economic zone, and continental shelf. It is reasonable and legal for Chinese naval forces to conduct drills in these areas with navies of other countries.
"The Chinese Navy is conducting drills with naval forces from other countries in its own territorial waters as part of normal maritime operations, which conform to international law and customary practice. The outside world should view this in a calm manner and refrain from making unfounded accusations or engaging in speculation." Said Zhang Jun.
Recently, the naval and air forces of the People's Liberation Army have carried out joint drills. The coast guards have carried out regular law enforcement inspections in the waters east of Taiwan Island. The Ministry of Transport has deployed special law enforcement and survey operations for maritime traffic. In addition, the research vessel "Xiangyanghong 22" has completed marine environmental surveys. Multi-dimensional operations have been intensively carried out in the waters surrounding Taiwan Island.
Zhang Junshe pointed out that,
China and Indonesia have been continuously strengthening naval exchanges recently. On August 2, a fleet consisting of the Chinese Navy's Qi Jiguang ship and Kunlun Mountain ship arrived at Indonesia's Tanjung Pura port for a four-day friendly visit. During this period, both sides carried out exchanges of ships, discussions, and cultural and sports activities. After the visit ended on August 6, and the fleet departed from Surabaya, both sides also organized joint training exercises at sea.
In this latest exercise, China and Indonesia will focus on conducting exercises in communication operations and maritime supply.
Zhang Junshe stated that the exercises involved basic subjects necessary for training and combat operations. These exercises can effectively improve the basic operational capabilities of both armies, enhance mutual understanding and traditional friendship, and lay a good foundation for further strengthening maritime security cooperation in the future. It helps to maintain regional maritime security and also provides a useful reference for regional countries to carry out equal and mutually beneficial maritime defense exchanges and cooperation.
