Reuters reports that “the United States is in talks to base long-range bombers in Australia, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported on Wednesday, a move that could inflame tensions with China.”  

“Talks are underway with Australia to allow U.S. B-1 bombers and aerial tankers to be temporarily stationed in Australia’s Northern Territory, U.S. Pacific Air Forces, General Lori Robinson was quoted by the ABC – positioning U.S. military aircraft close to the disputed South China Sea.”  

“China claims almost all of the South China Sea, but Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have overlapping claims.”