Thousands of Indonesian and American soldiers began a two-week joint military exercise on Monday (August 1st) which, according to Washington, aims to promote “
regional cooperation
” amid tensions with China.
At least 4,000 American and Indonesian soldiers are on site and will be joined by Australian, Singaporean and Japanese forces.
Japan is participating for the first time in these annual maneuvers, dubbed “
Super Garuda Shield
”.
The exercise is taking place on the Indonesian island of Sumatra and the Riau Islands, an Indonesian province made up of scattered islets near Singapore and Malaysia.
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Aims 'to build trust'
It takes place as Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi begins her Asian tour with a possible stopover in Taiwan, at the risk of further poisoning already strained relations between Beijing and Washington.
The United States and its Asian allies have grown increasingly concerned about China's growing presence in the Pacific.
Washington, however, assured that the maneuvers did not target any country, even if they are much larger this year than in previous editions.
“
This is really an exercise aimed at building trust, cohesion, mutual understanding, increasing capabilities and other related issues,
” General Stephen Smith, commander of the participating American troops.
"
So this is really a military exercise and not a threat to any party
."
The exercises are due to last until August 14 and will include exercises for the army, navy and air force.
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An opening ceremony with all participating nations will be held on Wednesday, an Indonesian official said.
Canada, France, India, Malaysia, South Korea, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Great Britain will participate as observers.