The Foreign Ministry on Wednesday, August 12, strongly condemned China’s planned naval exercise with the Indonesian Navy in waters off Taiwan’s east coast. It said China disregards international norms and responsibilities, escalating regional tensions.

China’s Defense Ministry announced on August 11 that Chinese and Indonesian navies will conduct a joint drill off eastern Taiwan in mid-August. The exercise is said to focus on communications, at-sea replenishment, and other training.

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry condemned China’s reckless and irresponsible conduct. It added that among stakeholders along the first island chain, only Beijing continues to engage in malicious provocations, irresponsible behavior, and unilateral actions that bring instability to the region.

The Foreign Ministry said it had requested clarification on the issue from the Indonesian side.