The United States has deployed several B-52H Stratofortress bombers to Guam as part of the Bomber Task Force (BTF) operation amid rising military and political tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
According to an update from the U.S. Air Force, several military aircraft from the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota arrived at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam on the 8th, according to Press TV, an Iranian state-run English-language television station.
The U.S. Air Force said the goal of this deployment is to strengthen the U.S. commitment to regional allies, integrate with the military forces of partner countries, and increase flexibility to respond to possible conflicts, including those that may break out in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.
The decision was widely interpreted as a direct challenge to China’s growing regional influence.
The U.S. decision to send B-52 bombers to Guam follows a series of military exercises with its allies in the South China Sea and surrounding waters.
The U.S. Navy conducted joint military exercises with Australian forces and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces last month to enhance military cooperation with allies.
China considers the U.S. actions extremely provocative, especially as the two countries are embroiled in a long-running dispute over Taiwan and disputed waters such as the Spratly Island and Paracel Islands.
China has stepped up military activities in response to recent developments, including sending warships and military aircraft to fly around Taiwan.
