China and Indonesia hold naval drill east of Taiwan, drawing condemnation

On August 12, 2026, the Chinese and Indonesian navies concluded a maritime exercise in waters east of Taiwan, according to China's PLA Eastern Theater Command. Taiwan condemned the drill, which it said was planned without its consent. The exercise is seen as part of China's efforts to counter influence from Japan and other countries in the region. The drill took place in an area that Taiwan considers sensitive, raising tensions across the Taiwan Strait.