ASEAN bloc holds first-ever joint navy drill amid friction with China

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) kicked off its first-ever joint naval exercise on September 19 against the backdrop of enhanced tensions between several member countries with China over its claims to the South China Sea.

As reported by Nikkei Asia, the non-combat drills, referred to as "ASEAN Solidarity Exercise" are to include joint maritime patrol operations, search and rescue operations, and humanitarian and disaster relief. 

Indonesian military chief Admiral Yudo Margono said, that the five-day exercise in Indonesia’s Natuna waters aims to boost military ties among the 10-country-bloc and enhance interoperability. The drills will also involve civilian groups involved in humanitarian relief and disaster prevention.

ASEAN nations have taken part in naval exercises before with other countries — including both the United States and China — but this week’s drills are the first involving just the bloc and are being read by many as a sign to Beijing.