Context:

Australia is hosting the largest-ever Exercise Talisman Sabre, involving 35,000 military personnel from 19 nations, with activities also extending to Papua New Guinea for the first time. Initiated in 2005 as a biennial exercise between the United States and Australia, this event has grown significantly in scale and international participation. Chinese surveillance ships, which have monitored past exercises, are anticipated to observe the current drills, prompting Australia to adjust its operations accordingly. The exercise began with a ceremony in Sydney, coinciding with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to China, where he plans to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. Albanese emphasized that Chinese surveillance is a routine occurrence and will not be a topic of discussion with Xi, as he focuses on asserting Australia's national interests.

Dive Deeper:

• Exercise Talisman Sabre, the largest war fighting drill ever in Australia, is underway, drawing participation from 19 nations and 35,000 military personnel, and is anticipated to capture the attention of Chinese spy ships.

• The exercise began in 2005 as a biennial joint endeavor between the United States and Australia, and has expanded to include nations such as Canada, France, Germany, India, and others, marking its first activities outside of Australia in Papua New Guinea.

• Chinese surveillance ships have historically monitored these exercises since 2017, and their presence is expected again, prompting Australian Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy to note adjustments in the exercise conduct based on Chinese activities.

• The exercise officially commenced with a ceremony in Sydney attended by high-ranking military officials from the U.S. and Australia, highlighting the strong defense alliance between the two countries.

• Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, amid his visit to China, stated that Chinese surveillance of the exercise is not unusual and will not be a matter of discussion with President Xi Jinping, as he maintains focus on Australia's national interests.

• Albanese's visit to China follows his previous visits to the United States and aims to facilitate constructive engagements with both nations, despite facing domestic criticism for not securing a meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump.

• The exercise unfolds against a backdrop of global military dynamics, with surveillance and strategic presence being key elements of the operation, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions and alliances.