Jakarta - (AFP) - Thousands of Indonesian and American soldiers will start Monday, two weeks of joint military exercises, which Washington described as aimed at strengthening "regional cooperation", amid escalating tensions with China.

The exercises are taking place on the Indonesian island of Sumatra and in the Riau Islands, an Indonesian province made up of small islands scattered near Singapore and Malaysia.

There are currently at least 4,000 American and Indonesian soldiers at the site, and they will be joined by Australian, Singaporean and Japanese forces. Japan is participating for the first time in the annual Super Garuda Shield exercise.

This comes at a time when US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi begins an Asian tour that could include Taiwan, which is expected to contribute to an escalation of tensions in relations between Beijing and Washington.

The United States and its Asian allies are increasingly concerned about China's growing presence in the Pacific. However, Washington confirmed that the maneuvers do not target any country, even if this year is gaining more importance than previous years.

"This is an exercise to build trust, cohesion, mutual understanding, capacity development and other related issues," Stephen Smith, commander of the US forces involved, told the press in Jakarta. "It is a military exercise and not a threat to anyone," he added.

The maneuvers will continue until August 14 and will include exercises for the infantry, navy and air force.

An Indonesian official announced that it will be opened with a ceremony attended by all participating countries on Wednesday.

Canada, France, India, Malaysia, South Korea, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Britain will participate as observers.