For the first time, the Australian military will join the US and Japanese exercises.

For the first time, the Australian military is participating in the command post exercises Yamazakura (Mountain Sakura) between Japan and the United States.

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Large-scale exercises have been held since 1982 and work out the situation to protect Japan. This is the 82nd time they have been held, but this is the first time the Australian military has participated.

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“We will demonstrate the close ties between Japan, the United States and Australia domestically and externally and contribute to the stability of a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” Japanese Army Commander Reji said at the opening ceremony of the exercise at the Asaka Ground Self-Defense Force base in Tokyo. Takemoto.

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The exercise addresses a situation where Japan is attacked and US and Australian troops are sent to assist and work with the Japanese Self-Defense Forces to repel the attack. The Australian military will operate under US command.

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In June of this year, the defense ministers of the three countries agreed to expand joint exercises in view of China’s increased activity.

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The exercises will last until December 13.