The U.S. joined forces with Australia Thursday in what marks the biggest ever joint military exercise between the two nations, according to a Reuters report.
More than 33,000 troops are participating in the exercises, which involve battleships and strike jets, according to Reuters.
The massive scale is meant to send a message to the Chinese government, as China continues to expand its presence in the South China Sea.
China has been creating militarized islands out of coral reefs for the past several years, which the U.S. sees as "assertive behavior," Reuters reported.
"I'm pleased about that message it sends our friends, allies, partners and potential adversaries," said Adm. Harry Harris, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, according to Reuters.
Though the exercise stems from fears of confrontation with China, the American and Australian military partnership will likely go beyond a simple opposition to signs of Chinese aggression. On Wednesday, the commander of Marine Corps Forces Pacific, Lt. Gen. David Berger, said he expects Australian forces to help fight ISIS militants in Southeast Asia as well.
The two militaries will continue to train together in and around Australia for the next month, according to Reuters. Most of the training will be based at sea, though there will be some land and air operations involved.
