U.S. and Indonesia set to begin Garuda Shield military exercise

Increasing interoperability with Japan and others is 'vital,' American commander says

More than 10 countries will take part in Garuda Shield, the annual military exercise between the U.S. and Indonesia that starts on Aug. 1 this year. © Reuters

RYO NAKAMURA, Nikkei staff writer

July 31, 2022 07:30 JST

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. and Indonesia will kick off the annual Garuda Shield military exercise Monday, bringing in partners from as far as Europe as China widens its reach in the South China Sea.

The two-week exercise will involve more than 10 countries, around 2,000 American troops and as many Indonesian soldiers, according to the U.S. Embassy in Indonesia.