[International] Deterring Aggression, Strengthening Defense: Indonesia, US, and Multiple Nations Launch Joint Military Exercise
RtiTalk 小編3d ago
Indonesia, the United States, and more than a dozen allies launched their annual joint military exercise today (31st) to enhance defense capabilities and "deter" "acts of aggression" in the Asia-Pacific region.
According to Agence France-Presse, the Jakarta administration maintains an "independent and active" non-aligned foreign policy, carefully balancing its diplomatic approach to seek good relations with both Washington and Beijing.
This Southeast Asian nation held a joint maritime exercise with China earlier this month, an exercise that Taiwan denounced as "provocative."
For nearly two decades, Indonesia, the US, and some allies have participated in the annual military exercise known as "Super Garuda Shield."
This year's exercise will mobilize 4,700 military personnel from countries including the United Kingdom, France, and Japan, conducting drills at multiple locations such as Sumatra and Borneo, and will continue until September 11. Timor-Leste, Italy, Thailand, and other countries have sent observers.
US Army 4th Infantry Division Commander Patrick J. Ellis stated that the exercise is crucial for "building the human architecture to maintain Indo-Pacific security."
The exercise officially commenced in Bandung, east of Jakarta, where he said at a local military school, "The security situation in the Indo-Pacific is quite complex, and we cannot afford to wait until a crisis erupts to suddenly increase our readiness."
Ellis added that the exercise will include special forces infiltration training and cyber defense drills.
In April, Indonesia elevated its defense cooperation with the United States to a "Strategic Defense Partnership." Ellis stated today that this demonstrates that this third-largest democracy globally is "a key pillar of regional stability."
China's Foreign and Defense Ministers visited Indonesia this month, holding talks with Indonesian officials and agreeing to strengthen political and military cooperation.
Later this year, the two countries will conduct a joint military exercise codenamed "Heping Garuda," a regular exercise focused on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and military cooperation.
Last year, Indonesia joined the BRICS emerging economies organization, which includes Russia and China. However, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto also signed a trade agreement with US President Trump and joined what he called the "Board of Peace."(Editor: Song Wanyuan)
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=229287
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