Global Times warning: Hu Xijin’s missile threat to Australia over B-52 bomber plan
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China issues dark missile warning to Australia after US plans revealed to station B-52 bombers with nuclear capability near Darwin
- Chinese commentator issues missile warning to Australia after US revelation
- As many as six B-52 bombers with nuclear capability will be stationed south of Darwin
- ‘PLA’s Donfend missiles definitely fly faster than the B-52 bombers’
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A prominent Chinese commentator has warned Australia that China’s missiles “fly faster” than US nuclear-capable B-52 bombers – amid plans to station them in the north of the country.
The ominous message was posted on Twitter by a commentator closely associated with the Communist Party regime after reports that the US will station up to six of the bombers at a remote facility south of Darwin.
“The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Dongfeng missiles definitely fly faster than the B-52 bombers,” tweeted Hu Xijin, the former editor of the Chinese state newspaper Global Times.
“If Australia is to become a ‘big Guam’, it must bear the associated strategic risks.”
The United States to deploy at least six B-52 bombers with nuclear capability in the Northern Territory
Guam is a US territory in the Pacific Ocean that is home to a large US military presence.
It was revealed Monday that special facilities for B-52 bombers will be set up at the Royal Australian Air Force’s remote Tindal base, about 300km south of Darwin.
The development was first reported by ABC’s Four Corners program, citing US documents.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia “from time to time” cooperates with the United States on defense alliances.
“Of course there are visits to Australia, including Darwin, where US Marines are, of course, stationed in rotation,” Albanian said at a media conference.
Above, the ‘Rocket Force’ of the People’s Liberation Army conducts a missile test off the east coast of Taiwan
Australia’s Northern Territory already plays host to frequent military partnerships with the United States.
Thousands of U.S. Marines annually rotate through the area for training and joint exercises, begun under President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
The office of Defense Secretary Richard Marles declined to comment.
Asked for comment during a regular briefing Monday, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said that defense and security cooperation between countries should not target third parties.
“The relevant US practices have increased tensions in the region, seriously undermined regional peace and stability and could spark an arms race in the region,” Zhao said.
“China urges stakeholders to let go of the old zero-sum mentality and narrow geopolitical concepts of the Cold War and do more to contribute to regional peace and stability and build mutual trust.”