Indonesia explains naval exercise with China near Taiwan

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2 hours ago

Passing exercises are common goodwill engagements conducted by navies worldwide..

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian Navy said its recent passing exercise (PASSEX) with the Chinese Navy in waters east of Taiwan was conducted as part of routine maritime diplomacy during the homeward voyage of the warship KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai-332.

Head of the Indonesian Navy Information Service First Admiral Tunggul said passing exercises are a standard international protocol when warships transit near foreign waters.

“Passing exercises are common goodwill engagements conducted by navies worldwide as a manifestation of naval camaraderie and maritime diplomacy inherent in warship operations,” Tunggul said here on Wednesday.

He explained that KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai-332 conducted the exercise while returning to Indonesia after completing joint exercises with the Russian Navy in Vladivostok.

“During the voyage, KRI GNR-332 will conduct PASSEX exercises with the countries it passes near,” Tunggul added, emphasizing that the activity reflects Indonesia’s free and active foreign policy.

The exercise was earlier confirmed by China’s Ministry of National Defense, which said its naval vessel Honghe conducted joint navigation, communications procedures and underway replenishment exercises with the Indonesian frigate.

The exercises took place in mid-August in the Pacific Ocean and Philippine Sea off Taiwan’s eastern coast, outside the disputed waters of the South China Sea.