Australia has commenced Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, which, according to defense authorities and news reports, is the largest iteration of this biennial exercise to date. While the scale and nature of the exercise reflect the ongoing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific, it is an oversimplification to interpret this event as a direct preparation for imminent war between the United States and China.
Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025: Scale and Purpose
Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 (TS25) is a major, multinational military training activity co-hosted by Australia and the United States. It officially began on July 13, 2025.
Key features of TS25:
* Participants: Over 35,000 military personnel from 19 nations are participating. Key participants include the United States, Australia, and other partners such as Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, and the United Kingdom. Notably, China is not a participant in the exercise, although Malaysia and Vietnam are attending as observers.
* Focus: The exercise focuses on “multi-domain warfighting,” including amphibious and airborne operations, firepower demonstrations, and combat scenarios across land, air, sea, space, and cyber domains. It is designed to enhance interoperability and strengthen the alliances among participating nations.
* Stated Objectives: Australian and US officials emphasize that TS25 aims to strengthen alliances and enhance the collective capability to respond to various security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region, promoting a “peaceful, stable and sovereign Indo-Pacific.”
Military Exercises and Geopolitical Context
Large-scale military exercises, particularly those in the Indo-Pacific involving the US and its allies, are often viewed within the broader context of rising tensions with China. China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea, its military modernization, and its posture toward Taiwan are significant factors influencing regional security dynamics.
While military exercises can serve as signaling tools, demonstrating resolve and capability, they are primarily focused on training, improving readiness, and fostering interoperability among allied forces.
The US-China Relationship
The current state of US-China relations is characterized by complex strategic competition across military, economic, technological, and ideological domains.
* Competition and Deterrence: Both nations are engaged in a strategic rivalry. The US, through exercises like Talisman Sabre, aims to strengthen alliances and maintain a credible deterrent presence in the region.
* Avoiding Conflict: Despite the tensions, both the US and China have consistently stated a desire to avoid direct military conflict. There is ongoing emphasis on communication channels to manage the relationship and prevent miscalculations.
Conclusion
Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 is a demonstration of the strong US-Australia alliance and a significant effort to enhance cooperation among partner nations in the Indo-Pacific. While the exercise is clearly a response to the evolving security environment, particularly the heightened tensions in the region, it does not, in itself, signify that the US and China are preparing for imminent war.
Military exercises are a routine part of international relations and defense strategy. While they demonstrate military capability and alliance cohesion, they are generally intended to maintain stability and deterrence rather than signal immediate conflict.