Multi-nation naval drill begins in Indonesia with rivals US, China attending

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - Four-day multi-national naval exercises with the participation of rivals US and China began in Indonesia on Monday.

The Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) 2023 is witnessing participation from 36 of the world's navies, according to Indonesian officials.

With the theme "Partnership to Recover and to Rise Stronger," the drills are being held off the port city of Makassar on Indonesia's eastern Sulawesi Island.

"It is an honor that this friendly activity can be held in Makassar city," said the Indonesian Defense Forces' Commander Admiral Yudo Margono.

Participants include the US, Australia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Canada, China, Chile, Fiji, India, the UK, Japan, Kenya, South Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, and the Netherlands.

Personnel will engage in ice breaking, international fleet review, humanitarian and medical training, and an international maritime security symposium, besides recreational activities.

"The MNEK is a non-war exercise by prioritizing regional maritime cooperation, disaster management, and humanitarian operations to strengthen cooperation between the Indonesian Navy and friendly countries," according to the Jakarta-based Antara News.

Indonesia Naval Chief Admiral Muhammad Ali said the friendship exercise "aims to share knowledge and experience between countries.​​​​​"

"The success of this activity is certainly inseparable from the support of the people in this area that prioritize local wisdom," he said.

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has sent Type 052D guided missile destroyer Zhanjiang and the Type 054A guided missile frigate Xuchang to participate in the joint drills.

The Philippines' navy's BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17) and Naval Task Group 80.5 are also participating in the naval exercises.