Australia is scheduled to hold a massive maritime exercise involving 3,000 personnel. This military exercise is expected to host 3,000 personnel from 27 different countries and for the first time, China is joining.
The joint military training is expected to take place in Australia's northern port of Darwin. Named Exercise Kakadu, the tactical military exercise is expected to involve 23 ships and submarines from the Indo-Pacific region alone. The military exercise aims to establish familiarity with these naval machineries and to help prevent conflict on the high seas and improve coordination in disaster and relief organizations.
HMAS Newcastle Commander Anita Sellick recently confirmed that two Royal Australian Navy sailors are slated to join the Chinese naval frigate Huangshan during the drill. The two navy men will integrate into the Chinese frigate's crew and try to learn a bit of what life is in the Chinese vessel.
Australian Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Jonathan Mead told reporters during a press briefing that the exercise will provide mutual benefits in terms of understanding and trust between all those involved in the exercise.
Aside from the massive presence of naval vessels, the joint military exercise is also supported by the Royal Australian Air Force and will involve 21 aircraft.
The military exercise will take place in Darwin which is located right on Asia's border with Australia. It is widely considered as one of the country's most strategically important cities. Historically, it is home to a contingent of United States Marines which have made it their base since 2011. For this reason, also, Darwin is the most logical place to hold the massive military exercise.
The People's Liberation Army, China's armed forces, will integrate with counterparts from the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand for the first time. This is viewed by many analysts as an important development for the Chinese Army to improve its military relationship with these countries. It is important to note that China has had a checkered past with the United States, both economically and militarily.
The following are the countries that will participate in Exercise Kakadu: Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Cook Islands, East Timor, Fiji, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, The Philippines, Tonga, United Arab Emirates, United States, Vietnam.
Exercise Kakadu is expected to run until Sept. 15.
