Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have strengthened cooperation in maritime security through their first-ever joint military exercise on Indonesian islands in the South China Sea, where China has been increasing maritime activities.

Indonesia hosted the military drills that took place from Tuesday through Saturday on the Natuna Islands and elsewhere. Jakarta holds this year's rotating chair of ASEAN.

Four member nations, including Indonesia and Singapore, sent naval vessels to conduct maritime patrols, and rescue operations.

The last day's drill was based on a scenario of a large-scale disaster occurring on an island. The participants confirmed their cooperation on such activities as delivering relief supplies by military aircraft.

The joint exercise came amid rising tensions with Beijing over the South China Sea.

Last month, Beijing published a new map claiming most of the South China Sea, including disputed waters, as Chinese territory. That sparked protests by several ASEAN members.

In recent years, Chinese ships have entered Indonesia's exclusive economic zones.

Indonesia's military chief, Yudo Margono, said the gathering of naval vessels from various countries will have a strategic impact on regional stability.
He apparently had China in mind, although he avoided mentioning the country by name.

Some media outlets reported Indonesia initially planned to conduct the joint exercise in waters near its EEZ, but changed the location, saying it was not a combat operation.

The relocation was apparently made to avoid excessively provoking China, which is ASEAN's largest trading partner.