By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Exercise Talisman Sabre, the largest war-fighting drills in Australia’s history, commenced with live-fire exercises featuring the newly acquired HIMARS. The three-week event involves over 35,000 military personnel from 19 nations, including the United States and Australia, with activities also taking place in Papua New Guinea for the first time. Chinese surveillance ships are anticipated to monitor the exercises, as they have done in previous iterations, prompting adjustments in Australia’s operational approach. The exercise began shortly after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to China, during which he indicated that the surveillance would not be a point of contention.
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Australia hosts its largest-ever military exercise with 19 nations, a display of force likely to draw Chinese attention, and it’s definitely a big deal. We’re talking about a massive undertaking involving over 35,000 military personnel, spanning three weeks, with forces from Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, and the United Kingdom all participating. This kind of operation, held every two years and known as Talisman Sabre, sends a pretty clear message about alliances and readiness.
Considering the scale and the international involvement, it’s pretty safe to assume that China’s going to be paying close attention. It’s almost a given that they’ll be sending ships to observe the activity, as they’ve done in the past during similar exercises. It’s the classic tit-for-tat, each side positioning themselves as the one responding to the other. China’s military exercises are often presented as a response to US-led drills happening near their waters.
The absence of some nations is also worth noting. Spain, Italy, and Malaysia aren’t directly participating. While Malaysia is observing, their position raises interesting questions. It makes you wonder about the reasons behind these choices, and the calculations that go into deciding whether or not to get involved. And it makes you consider the role of long-standing relationships and economic ties. Spain, in particular, with its current government, is a bit of a question mark.
It’s understandable why some might see this as a move to counter China’s growing influence. Some see it as a response to China’s growing military activities, and territorial disputes, as well as its expanding presence in the region. Some might see this as a reaction to the increasing number of military exercises that China itself is conducting. While these exercises, like the one in the Tasman Sea last year conducted by China, are without official notice.
But it’s important to remember that these exercises have been planned for years. The planning and coordination involved are significant. There’s no single, simple cause and effect. Exercises like Talisman Sabre are a demonstration of international partnerships, a chance to improve interoperability, and a test of readiness.
The global implications of these exercises are, of course, quite complex. There’s the economic interdependence between the participating countries and China to consider. China is a major manufacturing hub, and a significant trading partner with many of the nations involved. It’s a reminder that in the interconnected world, even adversaries are often intertwined through global supply chains. Some believe that the constant military posturing, without actual conflict, is a result of this.
The underlying issue of territorial expansion, and the history of conflicts, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, shouldn’t be overlooked. The relationships between countries like Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, and China are all extremely sensitive. The military exercise isn’t just a game of muscle flexing; it’s also a statement of values, alliances, and shared strategic interests.
There are many who feel that we’ve become overly reliant on China for essential goods, which is a valid concern. We’ve failed in establishing independent supply chains. This reliance presents a vulnerability, especially in the event of any military conflict. It’s a failure of industrial policy. However, it is a difficult situation as it is.
One thing is certain: this exercise, with its scale and the number of participating nations, is a clear signal. It’s a signal to allies, to potential adversaries, and to the world. It’s a statement about Australia’s commitment to its partners, and to regional security. It’s also an open invitation for China to react, to observe, and to consider its own next moves.