As The World Focuses On Ukraine, The Next To Watch Is Taiwan: Thousands Of U.S. Troops Sent To Australia

Thousands Of U.S. Troops In Australia As China Tensions Rise

Stefan J. Bos

Thousands of American troops arrive in Australia as Western tensions rise with China over its growing military activities in the region, military sources said.

Some 2,200 U.S. Marines, who may use surface-to-air missiles, High Mobility Artillery Rockets, and unmanned aircraft, are in Darwin, capital of Australia’s Northern Territories.

Their “rotation” wraps up in October, said the Australia Defence Department, though more American troops are expected.

Marines will train with the Australian troops and other “friendly forces” to respond to a crisis in the region, the Marines said in their statement. The deployment comes amid Western concerns about China’s perceived stepped-up military provocations towards Taiwan.

“As the world focuses on the war in Ukraine, the next to watch is Taiwan,” said a U.S. security official when talking to Worthy News.

The diplomat, who asked not to be named to discuss sensitive issues, suggested that a Chinese attack against Taiwan had become more likely.

China regards Taiwan as a renegade province to be brought back under its sovereignty by force, if necessary.