Units from the ten member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) began their first-ever joint military drills in Indonesia's South Natuna Sea, marking a significant moment in the region's defense cooperation efforts. The exercise comes at a time when geopolitical tensions are on the rise, particularly concerning China's activities in the South China Sea, and it aims to enhance the military capabilities of ASEAN nations, focusing on maritime security, patrols, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
The Indonesian military, in a statement, emphasized that these drills are non-combat in nature and are primarily focused on strengthening military skills and fostering social activities among the participating nations. Yudo Margono, Indonesia's military chief, clarified during a press conference that ASEAN prioritizes economic cooperation but recognizes the importance of developing its military capabilities and readiness.
"This is not a combat operation because ASEAN is more focused on economics. The training is more about social activities," Yudo Margono voiced.
All ten ASEAN member states are participating in the joint exercise, including East Timor, a prospective member seeking to strengthen its ties with the regional bloc. The decision to conduct these drills in the South Natuna Sea came after concerns were raised regarding the sensitivities surrounding the initial location, which was in waters claimed by Beijing in the South China Sea.
These military exercises coincide with growing diplomatic protests against China's release of a "10-dash line" map, which seeks to expand its territorial claims to approximately 90% of the South China Sea. The South China Sea is a critical maritime route through which more than $3 trillion in trade passes each year.
Several ASEAN member states, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam, have rejected China's expansive map, labeling it as baseless and asserting their sovereignty over disputed territories. Malaysia has also filed a diplomatic protest in response to China's actions.
Speaking during the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta earlier this month, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos stressed his country's commitment to defending its sovereignty in the South China Sea but reiterated that the Philippines did not seek conflict. Tensions have escalated recently with reports of China's coast guard harassing boats resupplying Philippine troops on an uninhabited atoll in the disputed Spratly Islands.
Despite ongoing discussions, ASEAN has struggled to make substantial progress on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, a framework aimed at managing disputes and promoting stability in the region. Some ASEAN members, like the Philippines, have expressed frustration over the slow pace of negotiations and the lack of concrete results.
In the face of these regional challenges and rising geopolitical tensions, Indonesia's Yudo Margono reiterated that the current joint military drills are non-combat in nature and represent a collaborative effort by ASEAN nations to enhance their preparedness and response capabilities rather than provoke conflict. The exercise symbolizes the region's commitment to maintaining peace and stability in Southeast Asia amid complex geopolitical dynamics.
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