[Central News Agency] Australian media pointed out that the United States is preparing to deploy as many as six nuclear-capable B-52 strategic bombers in northern Australia. Experts have analyzed that this move is directly aimed at China, because of growing concerns that Beijing is preparing to attack Taiwan.

An investigation by ABC investigative journalism programme Four Corners has revealed that Washington is planning to deploy B-52s at Tindal air base, south of Darwin, Australia. Strategic bombers build special facilities.

Please read on...

The United States has drawn up detailed plans for so-called "squadron combat facilities" to be used during the dry season in Australia's Northern Territory, and is building maintenance centers and pads in adjacent areas for "six B-52 bombers".

Becca Wasser, a research fellow at the Centre for a New American Security, a Washington think tank, said the deployment of B-52 bombers in northern Australia was a warning to China amid growing concerns that Beijing was preparing to attack Taiwan .

She added: "Having bombers with a range that could potentially attack mainland China is very important in terms of signaling to China that any Chinese actions against Taiwan may also expand further."

For more than 60 years, the B-52 bomber has been an important backbone of the U.S. Air Force, with long-range strike capabilities with nuclear and conventional weapons.

The U.S. Air Force told Four Corners: "The ability to deploy U.S. Air Force bombers to Australia sends a powerful message to adversaries about our ability to project lethal air force."

Asked when the B-52s would begin to be deployed at Tyndall Air Force Base, the Australian Defence Ministry declined to comment.

1111031