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Indonesia and the US, along with 11 other countries, conducted the annual Super Garuda Shield military exercise. This year's focus was strengthening regional ties amid growing global instability and concerns about China's actions. The exercise, involving 6,500 troops, aims to deter aggression and uphold sovereignty. While Indonesia has voiced concerns about China's actions in the South China Sea, it maintains positive economic ties with Beijing, employing a strategy of balancing defense diversification with economic cooperation. China criticized the drills as an attempt to create an "Asian NATO".

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.