SIDOARJO, Indonesia — Thousands of military personnel from Indonesia, the United States and eight other countries began on Monday two weeks of exercises focused on joint capabilities in the Asia-Pacific.

The region, particularly in the South China Sea, has seen tensions rise this year, with flashpoints between littoral states claiming sovereignty over disputed islands and waterways.

The annual exercises, known as Super Garuda Shield, started in Sidoarjo regency, southern East Java province, with Indonesia deploying more than 4,400 troops to the drills.

The Indonesian military said about 1,800 US troops and several hundred from other countries would also take part.

First held in 2007, the exercises have evolved into a "world-class joint/multinational event designed to enhance our collective capabilities," said Maj. Gen. Joseph Harris, commander of the Hawaii Air National Guard.

The program includes expert academic exchanges, professional development workshops, a command-and-control exercise and field training that culminates with a live-fire event, he added.

Training will include staff and cyber exercises, airborne operations, joint strikes, an amphibious exercise, and simulated land operations.

Charles Flynn, commanding general of the US Army Pacific, said in a statement last week that the exercises would show commitment to a safe, stable and secure Indo-Pacific.

The exercises, which will run until September 6 in multiple locations across the Southeast Asian nation, is also joined by participants from Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, South Korea, Canada, New Zealand and France.

Brazil, Germany, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, the Netherlands, East Timor and Papua New Guinea are participating in the exercises as observer nations.

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