U.S. in talks to base long-range bombers in Australia to counter China ‘threat’

The United States is in talks to base long-range bombers in Australia, U.S. defence officials said, within striking distance of the disputed South China Sea, a move that could inflame tensions with China. The deployments could include B-1 bombers and an expansion of B-52 bomber missions, said Lt. Col. Damien Pickart, a spokesman for the U.S. Air Force in the Pacific. “These bomber rotations provide opportunities for our Airmen to advance and strengthen our regional alliances and provide (Pacific Air Forces) and U.S. Pacific Command leaders with a credible global strike and deterrence capability to help maintain peace and security in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region,” said Pickart.

I can just assure you that everything we do in this area is very carefully determined to ensure that our respective military forces work together as closely as possible in our mutual national interests.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull

Should an agreement be reached, it would position further U.S. military aircraft close to the disputed South China Sea and risk angering China, analysts said. "China will see it in the context of the (Australian Defence) White Paper which they have already mentioned that they expressed a certain degree of dissatisfaction,“ said Euan Graham, director of the International Security Program at Sydney-based think tank, the Lowy Institute. Australia last month committed to increase defense spending by nearly A$30 billion ($22 billion), seeking to protect its strategic and trade interests in the Asia-Pacific as the United States and its allies grapple with China’s rising power.

South China Sea