Australia is poised to become a vital operating base for US military forces in the western Pacific as they seek a safe haven from China's fast-growing missile arsenal, according to a major new report by a key US think tank.
The report, released this week, predicts a new era for the ANZUS alliance because of the strategic imperative for Washington to eventually base US nuclear submarines at HMAS Stirling in Perth and to rotate US long-range surveillance and strike aircraft from Australia's northern airbases.
``The heavy emphasis given in Chinese military doctrine on missile intimidation suggests that Australia's role as a supportive sanctuary (for US forces) to allied combat operations will become increasingly vital,'' says the US Centre for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments report on the future of the ANZUS alliance.
``Australia represents, for the time being at least, something of a geographic `sweet spot' in the search for potential operating locations outside the reach of China's missile forces.''
The 42-page report by the independent think tank will be provided to US national security officials as they ponder how best to carry out Barack Obama's promise to pivot more US military forces in the Asia-Pacific.
It finds that China's rapid military modernisation will force Washington to reassess its strategic posture in the region, shifting key military assets to Australia rather than basing them in harm's way near China/.../