China to Monitor Major Australia-US Military Exercises

As Australia and the United States launch their largest joint military exercises, China is poised to closely watch the operations, raising concerns about regional security and intelligence gathering. Exercise Talisman Sabre, involving over 30,000 personnel from 19 nations, underscores the strengthening of Western alliances in the Indo-Pacific, a region increasingly tense due to Beijing’s assertive actions. Australia’s government, aware of China’s surveillance history, is prepared to counter potential espionage while navigating delicate diplomatic ties with Beijing.

The biennial Talisman Sabre exercises, commencing 13 July 2025 in Queensland and Papua New Guinea, mark the largest iteration of this Australia–United States (US) wargame. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy noted, “The Chinese military have observed these exercises since 2017, and it would be very unusual if they didn’t do that this time” (ABC News). This expectation stems from China’s consistent deployment of surveillance ships to past exercises, a move seen as an attempt to gather intelligence on military procedures, communications, and electronic systems. Australia’s Defence Force plans to monitor Chinese vessels and adjust operations to minimise information leaks, reflecting a pragmatic approach to safeguarding national security.

China’s interest in these drills coincides with its broader strategic ambitions in the South Pacific, where it has invested heavily in infrastructure across nations like Kiribati and the Solomon Islands. These moves, coupled with a 2022 security pact with the Solomon Islands, have fuelled Western concerns about Beijing’s intent to establish a military foothold. Conroy emphasised Australia’s goal to remain the region’s primary security partner, countering China’s growing influence. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s concurrent visit to China highlights the delicate balance of maintaining economic ties, worth $312 billion annually, while addressing security frictions.

The exercises also occur amid reports that the US is seeking clarity on Australia’s role in a potential Taiwan conflict, a sensitive issue the Labor government has sidestepped. Albanese’s focus on “peace and security” in the region avoids firm commitments, prioritising strategic ambiguity. As China’s surveillance looms, Talisman Sabre serves as a bold statement of allied unity and a reminder of the challenges posed by Beijing’s regional ambitions. Australia’s vigilance and strategic adjustments will be critical in this high-stakes geopolitical chess game.