Japan-US-Australia joint drill

Japan, Australia and the US are holding an annual joint military drill in Queensland, northeastern Australia. A record-high number of some 2,500 personnel from Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force, the Australian Army and the US Marine Corps are taking part in the exercise, called "Southern Jackaroo." It started on June 22.

The Australian military says the drill is being staged under the scenario that an island near Australia is occupied by foreign hostile forces. Australia has been stepping up defense partnerships with countries it believes share its values, including a free and open Indo-Pacific. Australia will host a much larger drill, joined by 12 other countries, including Japan, the US and some from Europe, starting late July.