SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

China 'concerned' over US, Australia bomber talks

China has expressed concerns over the United States' plan to base long-range bombers in Australia, and says that such cooperation should not target the interests of third parties.

 Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull speaks to the media in Adelaide, Wednesday, March 9, 2016. (AAP)
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull speaks to the media in Adelaide, Wednesday, March 9, 2016. (AAP) Source: AAP

1 min read

Published



Skip to article content

The deployments could include B-1 bombers and an expansion of B-52 bomber missions, however negotiations are still underway.

Should an agreement be reached, it would position further US military aircraft close to the disputed South China Sea and risk angering China, a move that could inflame tensions with China.

Chinese government spokesperson Hong Lei says they do not approve of the proposed agreement.

"We are concerned at relevant reports. At the moment, the major regional trend and people's desire is to seek peace and cooperation to push forward development. Cooperation among relevant counties should protect regional peace and stability, and any bilateral cooperation should not target the interests of third parties."

Australia last month committed to increase defence spending by nearly A$30 billion , seeking to protect its strategic and trade interests in the Asia-Pacific as the United States and its allies grapple with China's rising power.

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


News

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS Chinese

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

Simplified Chinese Collection

Watch onDemand

Stream now