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BRISBANE: Australia, the United States and allies opened large-scale war games on Wednesday, as a Chinese surveillance vessel travelled south to monitor the exercises.
More than 17,000 troops from the two allied nations will participate in Talisman Sabre, which is held every two years in Australia, from July 14 to 31.
Defence Minister Peter Dutton said a Chinese naval intelligence ship was approaching Australia’s populated east coast, saying it was a “reminder of the ever-present PLA (People’s Liberation Army)” in the region.
Beijing sent similar vessels to monitor Talisman Sabre in 2019 and 2017, local media reported.