Marles instructed Weekend Today there all the time gave the impression to be a Chinese ship watching the workouts, which had been carried out since 2013.
“They are acting in accordance with international law and so this is to be completely expected,” Marles stated.
“For us, it is really about our capability and our capacity and it is very much about our ability to work with other countries, our friends and allies, and particularly the United States.”
He stated the workouts weren’t a simulation for a struggle in opposition to China.
”You don’t have a capable Defence Force unless you are match-fit and you are not match-fit unless you train,” Marles stated.
“It is the most important exercise that we do, in terms of certifying all the capabilities and skills that exist within the Australian Defence Force.”
Marles stated he was not apprehensive about Republicans within the US Senate blocking laws to approve the AUKUS nuclear powered submarine deal.
“I have been briefed by exactly what is occurring in the Congress.
“I believe that is fairly nicely business as normal, by way of the best way through which laws proceeds by the Congress.”
The USS Canberra will be the first American naval ship commissioned outside of the country today.
Source: www.9news.com.au
