The United States and China, despite their differences, sent warships to participate in international maritime maneuvers that began Monday, June 5 in Indonesia. Washington and Beijing are multiplying the points of friction in the military, diplomatic, technological and economic fields.
The U.S. has increased its presence in the Asia-Pacific to counter China, which has recently held several rounds of military exercises around Taiwan. But these competing powers both sent warships to the multilateral maritime maneuvers "Komodo" (MNEK) organized by Indonesia in the east of its territory off the island of Sulawesi from Monday to Thursday.
"Meeting common challenges"
The U.S. Navy has a light frigate on site, a spokesman for the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta told AFP on Sunday. The exercises will allow the United States to "join like-minded nations, our allies and partners, in addressing common challenges," such as humanitarian and disaster response missions, he said.
China's Defense Ministry announced last week that it was sending a destroyer and frigate at the invitation of the Indonesian navy. Russia must also send ships, according to a list circulated by Indonesian authorities, while Australia is bringing in a frigate and the head of its navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond. A total of 17 foreign vessels are to be deployed and about twenty in the case of Indonesia.
'Maritime cooperation'
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The MNEK exercises are a non-war training that prioritizes maritime cooperation in the region," said Indonesian Navy spokesman I Made Wira Hady. Tensions between Washington and Beijing have escalated this year over the issue of Taiwan, an island with an independent government backed by Washington that China considers part of its territory.
Two incidents involving US and Chinese forces in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea have occurred in the last ten days. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Saturday at a summit in Singapore "essential" to resume dialogue with China to avoid "misunderstandings" that could lead to a conflict between these two military powers.
