New American military base in Darwin, Australia

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Well well.

LARGE numbers of US sailors could soon be shipped to Darwin with the city earmarked to be home to a new American defence base.

The move is believed to be part of a bold plan to expand the US military presence in Australia.

Specific measures are yet to be confirmed.

But media reports said yesterday the port of Darwin or the Bradshaw Field Training Area near Timber Creek were American favourites.

Others included Townsville in Queensland and the HMAS Stirling naval base in WA.

The plan is expected to go ahead within months.

The move will make it easier for the countries' defence forces to exercise together and to respond to regional disasters and emergencies.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defence Secretary Robert Gates and their Australian counterparts Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd and Defence Minister Stephen Smith spoke yesterday.

Mr Smith said he welcomed an increased American military presence in Australia.

The joint establishments are believed to be similar to already-existing models such as Pine Gap in Central Australia.

Foreign affairs experts said that the plan could be seen as a strategy for the US to counter China's increasing economic and military power.

But Dr Gates said the new measures had nothing to do with China.

"This isn't about China at all," he said.

http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2010/11/09/192601_ntnews.html

[^_^ 5,021]

Hmmm.

[u.S. Defense Secretary] Gates said, "As far as the posture review, we're not looking at adding any bases or anything, any new bases in Asia." He added that the greater U.S. presence is "not about China at all."

Edited November 9, 2010 by \

[spookyturtle 9,466]

No, of course not.

Obviously since China and Australia get along well and have a great business relationship. I can't understand why Aus would even permit us to have a base there since it wouldn't be needed. If anything, it may piss off China.

[Ban Hammer 13,403]

i thought australia could take care of itself.

[TBoneTX 45,536]

i thought australia could take care of itself.

I go ape when charles! comments on Darwin, si man.

[^_^ 5,021]

n/m

Edited November 9, 2010 by \

[The_Dude 1,142]

Obviously since China and Australia get along well and have a great business relationship. I can't understand why Aus would even permit us to have a base there since it wouldn't be needed. If anything, it may piss off China.

This is China and the U.S. running a gangbang on Australia. We get to set up bases there while China buys all their resources. I guess the only question is, who is on top of this Australia sandwich

[luckytxn 2,264]

We do not need to provoke China in this way. China has bought Australia fair and square.