Australia and the US have commenced their largest-ever joint military exercise, involving over 30,000 troops and participants from 11 other countries. The war games, known as Talisman Sabre, are held every two years and serve as a demonstration of force and unity in the face of China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
The opening ceremony took place on a naval vessel in Sydney, where US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro emphasized the importance of the exercise in sending a message to China. The most important message that China can take from this exercise and anything that our allies and partners do together is that we are extremely tied by the core values that exist amongst our many nations, said Del Toro.
The drills, which span various locations in Australia, will include simulated land and air combat, as well as amphibious landings. The participation of Germany for the first time, with 210 paratroopers and marines, further signifies the increased focus on the Indo-Pacific region by European nations.
Observers from India, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand will also be present during the exercises. Australia’s Defense Minister Richard Marles highlighted the commitment to working with international partners to uphold regional security and stability.
These military exercises come as Australia seeks to deepen security cooperation with the US and regional allies such as Japan and India. Simultaneously, the center-left Labor government is working to mend strained trade ties with China, a relationship that has been marred by disagreements over trade, investment, and security issues.
In a notable development, a Chinese ship is currently monitoring the exercises off the east coast of Australia. While it is not uncommon for countries to observe military exercises by other nations, the presence of the Chinese vessel is a reminder of the complex dynamics at play in the region.
By conducting Talisman Sabre and strengthening alliances, Australia and the US aim to demonstrate their shared commitment to maintaining peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific. As countries navigate geopolitical challenges, the exercises serve as a tangible display of collaborative efforts to deter potential threats and safeguard the region.
