One of Asia's largest annual joint military drills has gotten underway in Thailand, which is co-sponsoring the Cobra Gold with the US. The exercise involves 30 nations and a total of 7,400 personnel.

Dignitaries attended an opening ceremony at a Thai military base in eastern Rayong Province on Tuesday. This year marks the first full-scale program after smaller exercises were held in recent years due to the pandemic.

Robert Godec, the US Ambassador to Thailand, said, "Cobra Gold helps advance our common interests, build interoperability and serves as a demonstration of our dedication to our allies and partners, and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region."

The ambassador stressed the importance of strengthening US military cooperation with Asian countries. China has been increasing its influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Officials said new exercises will address responding to attacks in space. Participating teams will confirm procedures working with multiple countries to protect satellites.

They will also engage in regular training, such as large-scale landing drills. The exercises will run through March 10.