and the began their annual joint military exercises on Monday together with forces from 11 other countries.
The drills, aimed at ensuring stability in the Asia-Pacific region, come at a time when the US is seeking to ensure their allies take possible threats from China more seriously.
More than 4,000 Indonesian and 1,300 American troops are taking part until September 4, alongside troops from , , , the , and others.
Largest military drills to date
This year’s annual “Super Garuda Shield” drills are the largest to have been participated in since they began in 2009, and they will take place in the capital, Jakarta, as well as locations on both the island of Sumatra and the Riau archipelago.
Samuel Paparo, commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, said the exercises would help those participating to boost deterrence.
“It represents deterring anyone that would hope to change the facts on the ground using violence with the collective determination of all participants to uphold the principles of sovereignty,” he said at the opening ceremony.
“If the unforgiving hour comes when we need each other as partners, we pick up the phone, operating from a basis of deep trust,” Paparo added.
The Indonesian military has announced that staff exercises, cyber defense drills, and a live-fire event will be conducted. Observers have been sent from India, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor.
US believes China is increasing its influence
The United States and some of its allies, such as Australia, have expressed concern about China’s growing assertiveness in the Pacific region.
Although Indonesia maintains a good relationship with Beijing, it has recently become alarmed by what it sees as Chinese intrusion into its exclusive economic zone in the .
Meanwhile, the expanded drills raised concerns for China, with the aim to limit China’s growing military and diplomatic influence in the region.
However, Washington has said that these drills, as well as others held in the region, are not aimed at Beijing.
Edited by: Dmytro Hubenko
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