A series of joint military exercises among Chinese, Russian, U.S. and Australian troops is getting underway.

The Chinese Defense Ministry says the first set of joint drills are already underway.

Spokesperosn Wu Qian says Chinese ground forces are teaming up with US and Australian troops for training sessions in Australia's rugged northern regions.

"Based on our agreement with the U.S. and Australian defense departments, China, the US and Australia are holding the joint 'Exercise Kowari 2016' that includes field survival training in Darwin, Australia from Aug. 24 to Sept. 11."

On top of this, the Chinese Defense Ministry says Chinese and Australian ground forces will also conduct their own, separate exercies - dubbed "Panda-Kangaroo 2016" from September 14th to the 23rd.

Those exercies, which will take place near Sydney, Australia, will include canoeing and downhill climbing drills.

The Chinese side says both sessions in Australia will be a good opportunity for Chinese ground forces to interact with their counterparts from Australia and the United States, and will also improve their overall training.

Meanwhile, the Defense Ministry's Wu Qian says preparation work is also underway for a planned joint naval exercise with Russia.

"China and Russia have held their third round of negotiation over the 'Joint Sea 2016' maritime exercise in Zhanjiang City from Aug. 16 to 21, exchanging views on the exercise plan and arrangements for communication and logistic supports. They have reached wide consensus and have also inspected the relevant sites and facilities to be involved in the exercises. "

An exact date as to when the joint naval exercises with the Russian navy have not been laid out.

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