Anthony Albanese has opened major war games in Darwin two weeks after China launched a nuclear capable missile into the South Pacific.The Prime Minister launched Exercise Pitch Black on Monday, kicking off three weeks of drills involving 100 aircraft and thousands of defence personnel from Australia and 20 other countries, including the US, Japan and Indonesia.The aim, according to a government release, is “to strengthen relationships among our partners and allies by building interoperability through realistic, high-end training”.“Australia is strongest when we work closely with our partners,” Mr Albanese said.“Exercise Pitch Black strengthens those partnerships and demonstrates Australia’s commitment to working closely across our region to support peace, stability and security.”He said that Pitch Black, which has been hosted by the Northern Territory for more than 40 years, was “another reminder of the important role the Territory plays in Australia’s defence and our engagement with the region”.China’s missile test earlier this month sent a political shockwave through the Pacific.Coming just hours after Australia and Fiji inked a mutual defence pact that could be extended to more Pacific countries, Beijing insisted the launch was “routine”.But governments and analysts alike interpreted it as an attempt to intimidate the region amid an influence battle with the West.However, it was met with near-unanimous condemnation, including from Pacific Island countries that had previously leaned toward China.Canberra said the test showed why agreements like the Fiji pact were needed, with Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles saying that China was sending Australia a “message” about its nuclear capabilities.Also attending the opening of Pitch Black, Mr Marles hailed it as “one of the most complex and significant air exercises which occurs in the Indo-Pacific”.“Through this exercise, our Air Force is showcasing Australia’s ability to bring together partners from the region and beyond to enhance interoperability and deepen defence co-operation,” Mr Marles said.