Chinese state media mouthpiece threatens to NUKE Australia after US deploys giant B-52 bombers amid escalating war fears | The Sun
A CHINESE state media mouthpiece has threatened to unleash nukes on Australia after the US deployed nuclear-capable bombers to the country.
America is said to be planning to sent up to six B-52 bombers to an air base in northern Australia amid escalating tensions with China.
Dedicated facilities for the bombers will be set up at the Royal Australian Air Force's remote Tindal base – about 190 miles south of Darwin, sources said.
The US has drawn up detailed plans for a "squadron operations facility" with a maintenance centre and a parking area for the B-52s, according to the ABC's Four Corners programme.
“The ability to deploy US Air Force bombers to Australia sends a strong message to adversaries about our ability to project lethal air power,” the US Air Force said.
But the news sparked a furious response from Beijing – with the former editor-in-chief of the state-run Global Times issuing a chilling warning to Australia.
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Commentator Hu Xijin said Australia would need to "bear the risks" of the military move – and boasted about China's own weapons.
He wrote on Twitter: "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."
The nuclear-capable Dongfeng missiles are a range of weapons operated by the Chinese People's Liberation Army – originally developed during the Cold War era with the help of the Soviet Union.
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Three years ago, China unveiled the terrifying Dongfeng-41 – a 7,672mph intercontinental ballistic missile that could reach the US in 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, the B-52s are capable of delivering both nuclear and conventional weapons – with a combat range of more than 14,000km.
Becca Wasser, senior fellow at the Centre for a New American Security, said deploying B-52s in Australia would be a warning to Beijing as fears grow about an invasion of Taiwan.
But Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian warned the deployment of the bombers could "trigger a regional arms race".
"The relevant practices of the US 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."
Richard Tanter from the Nautilus Institute said the move greatly expanded Australia’s commitment to any US war with China.
“It’s a sign to the Chinese that we are willing to be the tip of the spear,” he told Four Corners.
“It’s very hard to think of a more open commitment that we could make.
"A more open signal to the Chinese that we are going along with American planning for a war with China."
The relevant practices of the US side have increased tensions in the region, seriously undermined regional peace and stability, and may trigger an arms race in the region
And Dr Malcolm Davis, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said it was a "sensible move" given the mounting risk of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
“It’s important that Australia step up to support US extended nuclear deterrence in new ways, to strengthen integrated deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, and to burden share with the US to dissuade China from using force to resolve territorial disputes,” Dr Davis wrote on Twitter.
“Hosting B-52s represents a visible step of Australian commitment to the US-Australia strategic alliance that is so vital to our defence and national security."
The US, the UK and Australia already enraged China after creating a security deal that will provide Australia with the technology to deploy nuclear-powered submarines.
Thousands of US Marines already rotate through the Northern Territory annually for training and joint exercises – started under President Barack Obama.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia engages with the US on defence alliances "from time to time".
"There are visits, of course, to Australia, including in Darwin, that has US Marines, of course, on a rotating basis stationed there," Albanese said.
According to reports, the Tindal air base plan is expected to cost up to $100 million and be completed by 2026- and it's said to be part of a much larger upgrade defences across northern Australia.
The Department of Defence confirmed the US was "funding a project to construct an aircraft parking apron at RAAF Base Tindal, which is capable of accommodating up to six B-52 aircraft and other aircraft types".
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“The project provides functionality for Australian Defence Force use and can also host other aircraft types, enhancing our capacity to train with and host international partners,” a spokesman said.
“United States bomber aircraft, including B-52s, have been visiting Australia since the early 1980s and conducting training in Australia since 2005."
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