WASHINGTON — China’s military will take part in an infantry exercise for the first time with Australian and US forces in October, the Pentagon said on Thursday.
The joint exercise will take place in northern Australia and marks another step forward in efforts by Washington and Canberra to bolster relations with China’s People’s Liberation Army, officials said.
“This is a small-scale exercise,” Pentagon spokesman Col. Steven Warren told reporter.
The drill would involve “less than a 100 total personnel,” including one or two squads of US Marines, Warren said.
“The goal of the exercise is learn how to survive and thrive in austere conditions,” he said.
China broke new ground last month by taking part in a major US-led naval exercise in the Pacific. The Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) event is still underway, and Australia is also among the countries participating.
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