The Australian government says it is “keeping a close eye” on a Chinese surveillance ship that is heading towards Queensland in an apparent attempt to monitor a joint military exercise with the United States. The reports coincided with the official opening of Talisman Sabre, the largest two-way training exercise between Australian and US military forces, held in Queensland every two years. The Australian defence minister, Peter Dutton, said the arrival of the surveillance vessel was “a repeat of what the Chinese have done in years past”. He said both covert and overt activities were associated with previous Talisman Sabre exercises. Australia has also invited forces from Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and the United Kingdom to participate in this year’s Talisman Sabre exercises.

Source: The Guardian July 14, 2021 06:24 UTC