ASEAN kicks off its first-ever joint military drills in Indonesia

Units from the countries of ASEAN began their first ever joint military drills in Indonesia’s South Natuna Sea amid rising geopolitical tensions between major powers and protests against China’s activities in the South China Sea.

The five-day non-combat operation is aimed at developing military skills, including maritime security and patrols, and the distribution of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, the Indonesian military said in a statement.

All 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will join the exercise, including prospective member East Timor.