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Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 was all about countering China (Opinion)

16th August 2023 - 04:33 GMT | by The Geobukseon in Indo-Pacific

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Built by GaardTech, this mock-up of a Chinese ZBD-05 was utilised during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023.

The recently concluded Talisman Sabre exercise in Australia, the largest ever in the series, was conducted with the threat of an aggressive China and PLA uppermost in mind.

Okay, that article title might be a slight exaggeration, but not by much. The latest Talisman Sabre exercise, held from 22 July - 4 August, was focused with laser-like intensity on the threat posed by China. In its tenth edition, this huge exercise grew to incorporate 13 nations and more than 34,000 troops.

The China connection was obvious when the Geobukseon visited the Townsville Field Training Area (TFTA) on 24 July. In a mock town used for training, a commendably accurate-looking Chinese ZBD-05 amphibious assault vehicle was parked there. Built by Brisbane-based GaardTech, this 3D mock-up was even finished in