Naval Exercise Komodo: Indonesia Brings Together Geopolitical Rivals US and China Amid Geopolitical Tension

Tue Jun 06 2023
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JAKARTA: Indonesia on Monday launched a multilateral naval exercise bringing more than 30 countries, including the United States and China together amid rising geopolitical tension.

The Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo, which was first held in 2014, is on its fourth edition and will continue until June 8 in waters off Makassar, South Sulawesi. According to the Indonesian Navy, this year’s Komodo drills will see participation from 36 countries.

“This exercise aims to enhance diplomatic capabilities, international cooperation, strengthen relationships and build cooperation with friendly nations,” Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Mohammed Ali said during the opening ceremony.

In 2023, the US, India, the UK, Australia, South Korea, China, the Philippines, Japan and Russia participated in the event. The last Komodo exercise took place in 2018 before suspensions over COVID-19.

“The participation of representatives from friendly navies demonstrates the importance of this activity in the international agenda that can contribute positively to achieving regional security, stability and peace,” Ali said, adding that at least 17 foreign warships will join the drills.

The exercises also seek to “improve operational readiness and interoperability between the navy and maritime agencies in the region,” Ali said, especially to address “various threats other than military operation.”

He added: “This exercise is also expected to be a forum for the exchange of knowledge and experience among participants to facilitate coordination in dealing with various crisis situations in an integrated manner.”

The Komodo exercises come as the United States and China ramp up military diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific region, staging more frequent war games with allies and partners around Taiwan and the disputed South China Sea.

China has conducted military exercises with Laos, Cambodia and Singapore this year, while the US launched just last week the first trilateral maritime exercises with the Philippines and Japan.

China-US relations have grown tense as friction between the world’s two largest economies arose from Beijing’s claims over Taiwan and its military activity in the resource-rich South China Sea.

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