Navies of four nations kick off military drills in Sydney Harbor

The US, Australian, Japanese and Indian navies, as part of the Quadripartite Security Dialogue (QUAD), launched on August 11 the Malabar military exercises, which will be held in Sydney Harbor and off the east coast of Australia, Interfax reports, citing The Japan Times.

Approximately 2,000 people will take part in the maneuvers, which will last until August 21. The exercise will involve American, Australian and Japanese guided missile destroyers, an Indian frigate, as well as Australian Air Force F-35A fighter-bombers and a P-8A Poseidon anti-submarine patrol aircraft.

During the military drills, the military will conduct live firing, coordinate communications, develop skills in using air defense and combat submarines, and train in the transfer of cargo by sea.

Vice Admiral Carl Thomas, commander of the US Navy's Seventh Fleet, assured that these exercises are not directed against any country, and their goal is to increase interoperability between the armed forces of the four countries.

However, the Chinese authorities criticize the work of QUAD, as they consider the Quadripartite Security Dialogue as a tool to counter Beijing's policy.