US-China despite rift, send warships to Indonesia to participate in Komodo multilateral naval exercise

On June 5, the fourth Komodo Multilateral Naval Exercise (MNEK) opened in Indonesia, with the participation of 36 countries, including the US and China, despite the two powers still having tensions over the issue of Taiwan (China).

The fourth Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) officially opened in Makassar City, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, on June 5. (Source: ANTARA)

Earlier, on June 4, a spokesperson for the US Embassy in Indonesia announced that the US Navy had sent a littoral combat ship to participate in the exercise, and revealed that the exercise was an opportunity for the US to “join like-minded nations, allies and partners” to address common challenges such as disasters and humanitarian issues.

Earlier, the Chinese Ministry of Defense announced that a destroyer and a frigate would visit Makassar city at the invitation of the Indonesian navy. Australia and Russia are also expected to send warships to attend.

With the theme "Cooperation to recover and emerge stronger", MNEK 2023 attracts the participation of many countries around the world , including Vietnam.

This multilateral naval exercise took place from June 5-8, with many activities such as icebreaking, international fleet review (IFR), international maritime security seminar (IMSS), maritime exhibition, bilateral meetings, cultural and sports exchanges, sightseeing, parade, inauguration of monuments...

In the opening session on June 5, Commander of the Indonesian Defense Force (TNI), Admiral Yudo Margono shared that MNEK is not a combat exercise, but focuses on strengthening regional cooperation, as well as responding to natural disasters.

Speaking at the ceremony, Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali said that this friendly exercise was organized to share experiences between countries; promote cooperation and mutual support after the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to him, MNEK not only shows the strength of the Indonesian Navy in supporting development and protecting national sovereignty, but also demonstrates the importance of cooperation between countries, with international agendas to maintain security, stability and world peace.

Also at the opening ceremony, representatives of 36 navies signed a memorandum of understanding to promote cooperation and joint recovery after the pandemic.

MNEK is a multinational non-combat naval exercise hosted by Indonesia every two years. The first exercise was held in 2014 in Batam, the second in 2016 in Padang, and the third in 2018 in Lombok. In 2020, the event was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/my-trung-bat-chap-ran-nut-cu-tau-chien-toi-indonesia-tham-gia-dien-tap-hai-quan-da-phuong-komodo-229779.html