U.S. Warship Commissioned in Australia Amid Growing Concerns Over China’s Regional Expansion
SYDNEY, July 22 – In a historic event, the United States commissioned a warship in Sydney, Australia on Saturday, marking the first time a U.S. Navy vessel has joined active service at a foreign port. This move reflects the deepening military ties between the two nations as they respond to China’s expanding regional reach.
The commissioning ceremony took place at an Australian naval base on Sydney Harbour for the Independence-class littoral combat ship. The ship has been named after a Royal Australian Navy cruiser that was sunk in 1942 while supporting the U.S. Marine landings on Guadalcanal. Speaking about this significant moment, Australian Defence Minister Marles stated, “Australians can be proud that this ship, designed in Western Australia by local industry and named after HMAS Canberra, is being commissioned here for the first time in the history of the United States Navy.”
Marles further emphasized that the commissioning of the U.S. ship in Australian waters reflects “our shared commitment to upholding the rules-based order.” This comes amidst the biennial Talisman Sabre military exercises, which are being held between the U.S. and Australia. These exercises are seen as a show of force and unity in response to China’s increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Talisman Sabre exercises, spanning across various locations in Australia over two weeks, involve mock land and air combat scenarios, as well as amphibious landings. In addition to Australia and the U.S., forces from Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of Korea, Tonga, and Britain are also taking part.
During these war games, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) conducted a significant test. On Saturday, the JGSDF launched a surface-to-ship missile off Australia’s east coast at Jervis Bay, around 195km (121 miles) south of Sydney. Australia’s Defence Department remarked that this drill “marked the first time the JGSDF has tested the capability in Australia.”
Germany’s participation in the Talisman Sabre exercises is also noteworthy, as it marks their first involvement with 210 paratroopers and marines. This demonstrates Germany’s commitment to bolstering its presence in the region.
Furthermore, under the AUKUS project announced in March, the United States and Britain have agreed to assist Australia in acquiring a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. In the early 2030s, the U.S. will sell three U.S. Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, with an option for the purchase of two more.
The commissioning of the U.S. warship in Australia and the ongoing Talisman Sabre exercises send a clear message about the united front presented by these allies against China’s regional expansion. As tensions escalate in the Indo-Pacific, it is crucial for like-minded nations to come together and uphold the rules-based order.
Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney; Editing by Stephen Coates