Indonesia and Russia hold first joint naval exercise, Philippines conducts island-occupation drills in the East Sea

(CLO) The Indonesian and Russian navies have begun a five-day joint exercise in the Java Sea, while the Philippine military has launched a two-week combat exercise that includes seizing an island in the disputed South China Sea.

According to the Indonesian Navy, the Indonesian and Russian navies began their first joint exercise in the Java Sea on November 4.

The exercises will run until November 8 in the Java Sea near the Indonesian city of Surabaya, after the Russian warships arrived on November 3. Russia has sent three corvette-class warships, a medium tanker, a military helicopter and a tugboat, according to the Indonesian navy.

"Russian warships have come to Indonesia from afar and conducted joint exercises for the first time to improve diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Russia, especially between the two navies," said Indonesian Navy Commander Denih Hendrata.

Russia has sent three corvette-class warships to take part in joint naval exercises in the Java Sea. Photo: Russian Pacific Fleet press office

A representative of the Russian delegation said the exercise was designed for the two navies to exchange knowledge.

New Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, a former defense minister, has pledged to strengthen defense ties with Russia as he seeks to build ties with every country as part of his country's long-standing non-aligned foreign policy.

"These trainings are quite important for the Indonesian military, but they are not unusual. They recently conducted a similar training with German Navy ships," said DW Asia-Pacific Bureau Chief Georg Matthes.

Also on November 4, the Philippine military launched a two-week combat exercise, including seizing an island in the disputed South China Sea.

More than 3,000 Philippine army, navy and air force troops will participate in the exercise, which Philippine military officials say is not aimed at any country.

The exercises will include live-fire drills using artillery and assault rifles, as well as beach landing exercises. In the South China Sea, Philippine forces will simulate seizing control of an island, Philippine Army Col. Michael Logico said, without elaborating.

Next year, US and Philippine forces plan to hold their largest annual combat exercise, Balikatan, which is also expected to include maneuvers in the disputed South China Sea.

Ngoc Anh (according to DW, AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/indonesia-va-nga-tap-tran-hai-quan-philippines-dien-tap-chiem-dao-o-bien-dong-post320048.html