China announced that its navy will conduct a maritime passage exercise with the Indonesian Navy in waters east of Taiwan in mid-August, involving communications and at-sea replenishment drills. Chinese state media described it as the first exercise between the Chinese and a foreign navy in waters east of Taiwan. The move comes as Chinese naval and coast guard activities increasingly extend beyond the First Island Chain, with Beijing seeking to expand its operational presence into the Philippine Sea or east of Taiwan, and toward the Second Island Chain.
The location and replenishment component have drawn particular attention. Military analysts cited by The Epoch Times argue that sustained operations beyond the First Island Chain require reliable long-range logistics, while at-sea replenishment could enable Chinese naval forces to remain deployed farther from the mainland for longer periods. The exercise could therefore contribute to Beijing’s efforts to develop the logistical capabilities needed for a more persistent military presence between the First and Second Island Chains.
The exercise also has a diplomatic dimension. To counter U.S. efforts to strengthen security cooperation with Japan, the Philippines, and other regional states, China has expanded maritime cooperation with Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia, seeking to present itself as a regional security partner.
However, Indonesia has emphasized that its warship is conducting a routine “passing exercise” rather than a combat exercise, noting that similar naval passage drills are common with other countries. This qualification suggests that Jakarta may be seeking to maintain military ties with China without signaling alignment with Beijing’s broader strategic objectives.
Source: Epoch Times, August 12, 2026
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/26/8/12/n14828298.htm