Asia & Pacific
Beijing deploys warships, fighter jets and coast guard vessels around Taiwan on an almost daily basis to assert its claim of sovereignty.
A Taiwanese soldier operates an anti-drone gun while providing security for helicopters during a fuel and ammunition resupply drill as part of the annual Han Kuang military exercise in Taoyuan on Aug. 11, 2026. (AFP/I-Hwa Cheng)
Taiwan has condemned China's plan to hold a navy drill with Indonesia this month off the democratic island's east coast, saying Beijing seeks to create the "false impression" that it has jurisdiction over the area.China claims Taiwan is part of its territory and insists it has authority over the waters surrounding the island, which Taipei rejects.
The Chinese defense ministry said Tuesday one of its warships and an Indonesian frigate will conduct a "passage exercise" east of Taiwan in mid-August to "enhance the joint operational capabilities of the two navies" and "jointly safeguard regional peace and stability".
