Australia And US Embark On Biggest Ever Joint Exercises

More than 33,000 US and Australian personnel have begun their biennial military training manoeuvres at a time of increasing tensions with China.

Exercise Talisman Saber will take place largely at sea and is aimed at sending a message both to allies and potential foes.

The exercise will involve 21 ships, including the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, along with the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, and more than 200 aircraft. 

Admiral Harry Harris, head of the U.S. Pacific Command, said the size of the deployment was intended as a signal.

"I'm pleased about that message it sends our friends, allies, partners and potential adversaries" 

Tensions between the United States and China have soured in recent months as the US seeks to counter what it perceives as Chinese assertiveness in the Pacific.

China is in territorial disputes with several nations over its claims to most of the South China Sea.

Exercise Talisman Saber will go on for a month in Australian territorial waters and will include training in land and air operations.