New Delhi, Aug. 26 -- Indonesia and the United States began annual joint military exercises on Monday together with forces from a dozen other countries, as the U.S. pushes its allies to take threats from China more seriously.

Hosted by the Indonesian National Armed Forces, this year's Super Garuda Shield focused on strengthening regional ties in an increasingly unstable global landscape, said Gen. Tandyo Budi Revita, the military's Deputy Commander.

"It serves as a joint exercise where we stand together to respond every challenge quickly and precisely." he said in his speech at kick-off ceremony along with Admiral Samuel Paparo, the Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

The exercise has been held annually in Jakarta by U.S. and I...