FS Begins Large-Scale Joint Naval Exercise with China
The Federated States of Tadchester has begun a major joint naval exercise with China, the largest of its kind in the country’s history. The operation, called Blue Compass 2025, involves over 4,000 military personnel, 12 naval ships, and aircraft from both nations.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the exercise will focus on search and rescue operations, anti-piracy patrols, and improving communication and coordination at sea. The drills are taking place off the eastern coast of Tadchester and are expected to last ten days.
Defense Minister Okoh Flora said the operation is “about improving maritime readiness and building professional cooperation between Tadchester and China.”
However, the exercise has raised concerns among some of Tadchester’s traditional allies. Officials in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States have expressed unease about the growing military relationship between Tadchester and China.
A spokesperson for the Australian government said they were “watching the situation closely” and emphasized the importance of maintaining stability in the Pacific region.
Opposition parties in Tadchester have also questioned the move. Senator Yakov Uther (N-SD) warned that the country should “avoid becoming too dependent on any one global power.” Some members of the Green Party also voiced concerns about China’s human rights record.
Despite the criticism, the Onwu administration says the exercise is in line with Tadchester’s independent foreign policy and commitment to peaceful cooperation in the region.