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Transcript/Script((PLAYBOOK SLUG: TV ASEAN Solidarity Exercises - Yoga
HEADLINE: ASEAN Holds First Joint Naval Exercise Without US, Other Outside Power
TEASER:
PUBLISHED AT: 09/19/2023 at
BYLINE: Indra Yoga
CONTRIBUTOR: Indra Yoga, Yuni Salim
DATELINE: Batam, Indonesia
VIDEOGRAPHER: Indra Yoga, Yuni Salim
VIDEO EDITOR: Nova Poerwadi
SCRIPT EDITORS: KEnochs; Reifenrath
VIDEO SOURCE (S): VOA News + Agencies
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO __
TRT:
VID APPROVED BY:
TYPE: TVPKG
EDITOR NOTES:
((INTRO))
[[The Association of Southeast Asian Nations recently concluded its first joint naval exercises. The drills, focused on disaster response rather than combat, took place near waters that China claims as its own. From Batam, Indonesia, Indra Yoga has the story, narrated by Nova Poerwadi.]]
((NARRATION))
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, recently wrapped up its inaugural naval drills, called the ASEAN Solidarity Exercise, on September 23. Hosted by Indonesia, the exercises were focused on coordinated disaster response in a region vulnerable to tsunamis and other extreme weather events.
Another goal: expand military ties and military cooperation between ASEAN nations.
((Adm. Yuno Margono, Indonesian National Armed Forces Commander)) ((male, in English))
"I think it's not only a symbol of solidarity, cooperation, and close friendship between us. But also, a sign of manifestation of military strength among ASEAN members"
((NARRATION))
This year's exercises were held in the South Natuna Sea. It borders the North Natuna Sea, parts of which China claims as part of its expansive territory in the larger South China Sea. According to Indonesian Navy Commodore Mohamad Taufik, the region was chosen purposefully.
((Commodore Mohamad Taufik, Indonesian Navy))
"From our perspective, because this is the first exercise conducted, so we think that the area in Natuna and Batam is the closest area near to neighboring states."
(AP)
((NARRATION))
But the location of the joint exercises did not escape the attention of Beijing,
((MANDATORY CG: FILE: 09/19/23)
which in August had published a new map reiterating its claims in the South China Sea.
((Mao Ning, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson)) ((female, in Mandarin)) [[producer -- please add date of when she said this in right corner if it was more than two weeks ago]]
“We have a clear and consistent position on the South China Sea.”
((NARRATOR))
While the exercises were focused on natural disaster response, piracy, and rescue operations, analysts like Carl Baker of the Pacific Forum say they are also an opportunity for ASEAN countries to make a statement.
((Carl Baker, ASEAN)) ((Zoom))
"You know, they've both done ASEAN-US exercises, ASEAN-China exercises. This is, I think, the first one that's all ASEAN. And so, I think that that's significant."
((NARRATOR))
Baker also notes how the choice of location also showed ASEAN pragmatism, championed by Indonesia.
((Carl Baker, Pacific Forum)) ((Zoom))
"Remember, the initial proposal was to do the exercise in the North Natuna Sea. // And the way they satisfied Cambodia was to move it in the South Natuna Sea, which is less controversial because it's clearly outside of the supposed nine-dash line that China has drawn in that region."
((NARRATOR))
Brunei, Malaysia, and Singapore sent warships and combat personnel to the exercise. The Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand sent observers, as did aspiring ASEAN member East Timor.
(( For Indra Yoga in Batam, Indonesia, Nova Poerwadi, VOA News.))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Location (dateline)Batam, Indonesia
Embargo DateSeptember 29, 2023 08:14 EDT
BylineIndra Yoga
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
