Indonesia-US joint military drills with allies kick off with 4,700 soldiers

AI Summary

Indonesia, the US, and multiple allies have initiated joint military exercises involving 4,700 soldiers to strengthen defense capabilities and deter aggression in the Asia-Pacific. Indonesia pursues a neutral foreign policy balancing relations between Washington and Beijing, having recently conducted naval drills with China despite Taiwan's protests.

Indonesia, the United States and more than a dozen allies launched annual joint military exercises on Monday to boost defence capabilities and “deter aggression” in the Asia-Pacific region. Jakarta maintains a neutral foreign policy, what it calls “free and active”, as it walks a diplomatic tightrope seeking good relations with both Washington and Beijing. The Southeast Asian giant held a joint navy drill with China this month that was blasted by Taiwan as a “provocation”. Indonesia, the US and...