January 1, Report: US to Deploy B-52 Bombers to Australia Amid Rising Tensions

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY…
1966: The Cuban Adjustment Act comes into force, allowing 123,000 Cubans opportunity to apply for permanent residence in the U.S.

The U.S. plans to deploy up to six nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to an Australian air base amid rising tensions with China, according to a Reuters report published Monday.

The Royal Australian Air Force’s remote Tindal base will house the bombers, according to Reuters, citing an unnamed source familiar with the matter.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his country engages with the U.S. on defense alliances “from time to time.”

“There are visits, of course, to Australia, including in Darwin, that has U.S. Marines, of course, on a rotating basis stationed there,” Albanese said during a press conference.

U.S. Marines have rotated annually through Australia’s Northern Territory for training and joint exercises since the Obama administration.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said accused the U.S. of undermining peace and stability in the region, and “may trigger an arms race.”

“The relevant practices of the U.S. side have increased tensions in the region, seriously undermined regional peace and stability, and may trigger an arms race in the region,” Zhao said.

“China urges the parties concerned to abandon the old Cold War zero-sum mentality and narrow geopolitical concepts, and do more to contribute to regional peace and stability and to enhance mutual trust.”

The U.S. Air Force said that the United States’ ability to send the bombers to Australia delivers a powerful message to foes regarding D.C.’s ability to project air power, according to a report from the Australian Broadcasting Corp’s (ABC) Four Corners program.

In 2021, the U.S. created a security deal with Britain and Australia to provide Australia with the means to deploy nuclear-powered submarines, stoking tensions with China.

Becca Wasser, a senior fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based Center for a New American Security, told the ABC that sending long-range B-52s to Australia will serve as a warning to China as concerns grow regarding a potential assault on Taiwan.

Earlier this year, the U.S. deployed four B-52s to its Andersen Air Force base in Guam amid.

Meanwhile, a known Chinese commentator has posted to Twitter, warning Australia that China’s missiles “fly faster” than the US Air Force’s B-52 bombers.

China responds to Reuters’ report

Chinese Global Times commentator Hu Xijin responded to Reuters’ report on Twitter, warning Australia that China’s missiles “fly faster” than the U.S. Air Force’s B-52 bombers.

“The PLA’s Dongfeng missiles definitely fly faster than the B-52 bombers. If Australia wants to become a ‘big Guam,’ then it must bear the corresponding strategic risks,” he wrote.

The PLA's Dongfeng missiles definitely fly faster than the B-52 bombers. If Australia wants to become a “big Guam,” then it must bear the corresponding strategic risks. pic.twitter.com/iK2CuyQaHH

— Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) October 31, 2022

---

Source: Reuters