Indonesia, the United States and more than a dozen allies launched annual joint military exercises Monday to boost defence capabilities and "deter aggression" in the Asia-Pacific region.Indonesia maintains a neutral foreign policy, what it calls "free and active," as it walks a diplomatic tightrope seeking good relations with both Washington and Beijing.
The country held a joint navy drill with China this month that was blasted by Taiwan as a "provocation".
Indonesia, the United States and certain allies have taken part in the annual drills, known as "Super Garuda Shield", for nearly two decades.
This year's edition will entail 4,700 soldiers from countries including Britain, France and Japan drills in several locations including Sumatra and Kalimantan until September 11.
Timor Leste, Italy, Thailand and other nations have sent observers.
