US says in talks to base long-range bombers in Australia

http://atimes.com/2016/03/us-says-in-talks-to-base-long-range-bombers-in-australia/

US says in talks to base long-range bombers in Australia
By AT Editor on March 9, 2016

The United States is in talks to base long-range bombers in Australia, U.S. defense officials said, within striking distance of the disputed South China Sea, a move that could inflame tensions with China.

The deployments could include B-1 bombers and an expansion of B-52 bomber missions, said Lt. Col. Damien Pickart, a spokesman for the U.S. Air Force in the Pacific, stressing that discussions were continuing and no decisions had yet been reached.

“These bomber rotations provide opportunities for our Airmen to advance and strengthen our regional alliances and provide (Pacific Air Forces) and U.S. Pacific Command leaders with a credible global strike and deterrence capability to help maintain peace and security in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region,” said Pickart.

The United States does not currently fly B-1 bombers from Australia, but does conduct periodic B-52 missions.