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The United States is strengthening its military presence in Australia, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced on Tuesday after the annual talks between the two allies. With the expansion of troops comes the stationing of more bombers and fighter jets.
Austin did not specify how many additional troops, ships and aircraft are involved. According to a Reuters news agency source, this includes up to six nuclear-capable B-52 bombers that can be deployed from an air base in northern Australia. Observers believe that the increased US military presence is inseparable from heightened tensions with China.
Northern Australia has long served as an area of frequent military cooperation with the United States. Thousands of U.S. Marines rotate to the region each year for joint training and exercises, which began under former President Barack Obama (2009-2017).
In September 2021, the United States, United Kingdom and Australia signed the so-called Aukus Pact to “ensure security and stability in the Asia-Pacific continent”. Under this pact, Australia receives the technology to deploy nuclear-powered submarines, much to China’s dismay. Some military analysts say Australia could play a vital logistical role in Taiwan’s defense if China decides to take military action against the self-governing island.
Later this week, Austin and his Australian counterpart Richard Marles will fly to Tokyo, where they plan to invite Japan to participate in joint exercises. Austin and Marles stressed the importance for the three countries to form a united front in the face of China’s rapid military advance. Marles: “It’s important that we do this from a balance point of view in our region and we look forward to more involvement from Japan.”
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