If the U.S. and China come to blows over Taiwan, this naval base in Western Australia offers a berth to bring American nuclear-powered submarines close to the fight—and a haven if things go wrong. Washington plans to deploy up to four submarines to HMAS Stirling in the coming years, with the first due to arrive in 2027, advancing a process of military integration with a Pacific ally with the aim of deterring China. Australia is investing billions of dollars in the base and a maintenance precinct nearby. For the U.S., the arrangement offers a crucial advantage for a potential conflict with China. The U.S. bases submarines in Guam, but China could hit the U.S. territory with a missile barrage early, possibly knocking out the island’s military facilities. Doing submarine maintenance in Western Australia also gives the U.S. another option for repairs—in a spot that is relatively close to regional flashpoints, chiefly the South China Sea and Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing claims as its own territory, to be seized by force if necessary.

Full report : The United States plans to deploy submarines at HMAS Stirling facility in Australia as a strategy to deter China.