Huge military exercise involving 19 countries begins as Chinese surveillance expected
Independent1 day
Australia Hosts Largest Military Exercise Amid China Tensions
Above: A crewman from the Royal New Zealand Air Force at RAAF Base in Townsville, Australia on July 14, 2025. Image copyright: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
Talisman Sabre's weapon symbolism reveals a Western colonial mindset — using sabers of war rather than China's constructive approach. This massive military spectacle drags European colonial powers back to Asia, undermines ASEAN diplomatic stability and perpetuates confrontational cycles. China's defensive posture stems from historical invasion experience, not expansionist ambitions like America's hundred interventions worldwide.
Anti-China narrative
Talisman Sabre 2025 has evolved into the largest-ever deterrent demonstration against China, with 19 nations and 30,000 troops rehearsing multi-domain warfare. The exercise specifically focuses on amphibious capabilities and counter-beach landings — directly mirroring expected Taiwan invasion scenarios from 2027 onward. This collective strength underscores the shared understanding that Indo-Pacific security depends on deterrence against modern challenges.