The United States and federal government are in talks to
step up the presence of US long-range bombers in Australia, a move that could
inflame tensions with China.

Talks are underway with Australia to allow US B-1 bombers
and aerial tankers to be temporarily stationed in Australia’s Northern
Territory, US Pacific Air Forces, General Lori Robinson told the ABC –
positioning US 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.

Tensions between the US and China have been inflamed in
recent weeks.

The US Navy has carried out freedom of navigation exercises,
sailing near disputed islands to underscore its rights to operate in the seas.

Those patrols, and reports that China is deploying advanced
missiles, fighters and radar equipment on islands there, have led Washington
and Beijing to trade accusations of militarising the region.

General Robinson told the ABC, the US would continue to
conduct exercises through the disputed waterway while calling on Australia to
conduct similar freedom of navigation exercises.

“We would encourage anybody in the region and around
the world to fly and sail in international air space in accordance with
international rules and norms” said General Robinson.

U.S. Defence Secretary Ash Carter last week warned of
“specific consequences” if China takes “aggressive” action
in the region.