Launch of the Largest Joint Military Exercises Between Australia and the U.S.

Australia and the United States began two-week military exercises today, involving more than 30,000 troops and participants from 11 other countries. U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro stated during the opening ceremony aboard a naval vessel in Sydney, "The most important message that China can receive from these exercises and from anything our allies and partners do together is that we are bound by core values inherent in many of our countries." Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles noted that these exercises demonstrate Australia's "commitment to working with our international partners to maintain the security and stability of our region." The drills will take place in various locations across Australia and will include simulations of ground and air combat operations as well as amphibious landings. This year marks Germany's participation for the first time in the exercises. The Talisman Sabre joint military exercises are conducted biennially and were first held in 2005, with this year's drills being the largest to date.