US/China/ and Russia Participate in ‘Komodo’ Naval Drills in the Indo-Pacific in the Rarest of Rare Events
The fleets of China and the United States recently put aside their differences and took part in the ‘Komodo’ naval drills sponsored by Indonesia, despite their disagreements over a number of issues, including Taiwan.
The United States, Britain, China, Japan, Russia, and South Korea’s fleets participated in the manoeuvres, which got underway on June 5. Along with other countries, South Asian rivals Pakistan and India were invited to the drills.The regular Komodo exercises, according to the Indonesian military, were a “non-war” exercise meant to “strengthen relationships between the navies” of 36 nations.
The Komodo drills, which were centred on humanitarian aid and disaster response, seemed to be an opportunity to bring together officials from the two sides. Given the lack of communication between the two parties since August of last year, this is particularly noteworthy.In reality, China declined to permit a meeting of its defence ministers at the recent Shangri-La discussion that Singapore held.
The Chinese navy sent the most recent version of its Type 052D guided-missile destroyer, Zhanjiang, as well as the Type 054A frigate Xuchang, which was preparing navigation research, duty officer training, and damage control en route to Indonesia, according to the People’s Liberation Army news source, the PLA Daily.The identities of the ships sent for the drills by the US Navy were not disclosed in an official capacity. A multinational assistance operation doesn’t just happen, Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, commander of the US 7th Fleet, noted. Exercises, conversations, conferences, and exchanges all help to cultivate it. Through missions like Komodo, partnerships between fleets are developed in a way that allows them to withstand pressure whenever and whenever it comes their way.
All foreign ships moored off Sulawesi, and the crews were brought ashore by ferries. In addition to city tours, concerts, medical training, and an international conference on maritime security, the Indonesian navy claimed to have organised icebreakers for the guests.The soldiers practised maritime interception, at-sea search and rescue, and damage management after that before going back to their boats.The Chinese Navy, according to the PLA Daily, said it will take advantage of the chance to undertake military and cultural exchanges with other ships “to deepen mutual understanding and practical cooperation further.”
Experts predict that the tensions between the US and China won’t likely be reduced by these drills.
