US set to increase military presence in Australia as China continues to increase its influence in the Indo-Pacific region

United States prepares to expand its military presence in Australia as China’s actions in the Indo-Pacific continue to threaten US interests in the region.

“Today we agreed to deepen our defense cooperation on several important fronts,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said. press release on tuesday. “Based on today’s talks, we will increase the rotational presence of US forces in Australia. This includes the rotation of bomber task forces, fighters, and the future rotation of US Navy and US Army forces.”

Austin explained during the annual talks between US and Australian officials that “China’s dangerous and coercive actions in the Indo-Pacific region, including around Taiwan, against the Pacific island countries, and in the East and South China Seas, threaten regional peace and stability”.

Although the details are yet to be worked out, It is reported by The Wall Street Journal. that the two countries will deploy more munitions and fuel in Australia to support US military operations, as well as develop airfields in the northern part of the country where joint exercises of the two armed forces can be held.

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President Joe Biden (right) and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands before meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in November.  February 14, 2022 in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia.

President Joe Biden (right) and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands before meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in November. February 14, 2022 in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia.
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Japan has also been invited to participate in future exercises.

Besides, Australian Minister of Defense says he looks forward to further integration of US and Australian military bases and removal of barriers to this process.

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“We also took steps today to create a closer defense industrial base between our two countries,” Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said in a statement. “We need to work more closely together to enhance our military capabilities and develop new technologies.”

Ongoing military cooperation between Australia and the United States Chinese communist government provoked the ire of the United States and other countries with provocations in the region, including tensions caused by China’s claims to Taiwan as part of its “one China” policy.

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Chinese J-31 stealth fighter.

Chinese J-31 stealth fighter.
(Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images/File)

China has repeatedly threatened to take over Taiwan by force and has been conducting extensive military exercises around the island in recent months, as well as displaying its influence and power elsewhere in the region. including Solomon Islands.

“There have been profound shifts in US-Australian relations over the past few years,” Charles Edel, chairman of the Australian Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, told the Wall Street Journal. “The US-Australian relationship will become increasingly important to how the United States operates in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.”