US to send B-52 bombers to Australia in move China warns could 'trigger' arms raceChina this week said U.S. plans to send B-52 bombers to Australia could "trigger an arms race" as the U.S. looks to beef up its regional security resources.
Royal Australian Air Force Base (RAAF) Tindal has long been home to U.S. B-52 bombers, but China’s foreign ministry took issue with U.S. plans to send up to six nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to the base in northern Australia, according to reports Monday.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said the U.S. plans to increase its security alliance with Sydney "escalates regional tensions" and "gravely undermines regional peace and stability."
A U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber performs during the Australian International Airshow at the Avalon Airfield near Lara, southwest of Melbourne, Feb. 27, 2015.
A U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber performs during the Australian International Airshow at the Avalon Airfield near Lara, southwest of Melbourne, Feb. 27, 2015. (Paul Crock/AFP via Getty Images)
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"China urges parties concerned to abandon the outdated Cold War zero-sum mentality and narrow geopolitical mindset and do more things that are good for regional peace and stability and mutual trust among all parties," Lijian added.
But Defense Department spokesman Lt. Col. Martin Meiners said U.S. plans to send bombers and an array of aircraft to Australia for joint drills was common practice in the long-standing alliance and a "cornerstone of U.S. foreign and security policy."
"Force posture cooperation with Australia has been a key feature of our alliance for decades," he told Fox News. "A wide range of U.S. military aircraft, including B-52s and other bombers, have visited Australia to participate in joint exercises for years and will continue to do so."............
https://www.foxnews.com/world/us-send-b-52-bombers-australia-move-china-warns-could-trigger-arms-race
