The newspaper pointed out that at the beginning of this month a large-scale command training exercise, called Yamasakura, took place in the cantonment area of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces between the military circles of these three countries.

This exercise has been held annually since 1982 between the U.S. and Japanese ground forces with the aim of training the procedure and ability to react together in time of emergency, the commentary explains.

But this year, for the first time, the Australian ground forces, which until now have participated as observers, joined in as well, the text adds.

Rodong Sinmun warned that such moves, which are exacerbating tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, are part of a U.S. attempt to foment military collusion with Japan and Australia.

In the event of an unforeseeable clash in the Asia-Pacific region over the Korean Peninsula, its blame will fall entirely on Washington, the commentary concludes.

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