On June 16, AFP quoted tender announcements and information from relevant officials, stating that the U.S. military is planning to establish a permanent weapons storage facility for its Marine Corps in the southeastern coastal region of Australia. It was specifically mentioned that this location is beyond the range of most Chinese missiles.
Analysts claim that this is the first time the U.S. Marine Corps has established such a reserve facility in Australia. This move comes as the U.S. seeks to utilize Australia's strategic position in the South Pacific to counter China's rapidly expanding military forces.
It is worth mentioning that just a few days ago, the Lowy Institute, an Australian think tank, also published a report that once again hyped up the so-called "China threat theory," claiming that China has the ability to launch direct missile attacks against Australia. Moreover, as China continues to increase its stockpiles of long-range and hypersonic weapons, as well as its construction of islands and reefs in the South China Sea, this "threat" is becoming increasingly severe.
Xinhua's reports also cited the report, citing Sam Roggeveen, director of the International Security Project at the Loy Institute, for his counterarguments. He claimed that when the US established a supply depot in southern Australia, this might have been "a relevant consideration." “Once these facilities are operational, they will likely become clear targets of China.”
Roger Viner claims that the increase in the number of troops and equipment deployed by the US military in Australia represents a significant shift in Australian policy, thereby strengthening the strategic ties between Australia and the US in that region.
On July 9, 2025, U.S. military soldiers conducted tests of the “Dark Eagle” system in Northern Territory, Australia. U.S. Army
According to reports, the U.S. Marine Corps began deploying military supplies globally during the Cold War. This involved using shipborne storage facilities and caves in Norway to store weapons, ammunition, and vehicles necessary for thousands of soldiers to fight. The U.S.’s first land-based storage facility in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to be operational in the Philippines this year. This location is adjacent to potential conflict zones in the South China Sea.
The document released by the U.S. Navy this month shows detailed plans for a larger storage facility in Australia. The plan involves allocating $30 million to build warehouses and office facilities in the southeast of Victoria, in order to achieve “key forward deployment of supplies.”
The bidding documents indicate that the Australian storage facility is expected to reach full capacity in 2028. The materials will be stored initially in Melbourne, and then transferred to a US-owned warehouse planned to be built at Bandiana in Victoria’s inland region next year.
Australia does not allow foreign armies to establish military bases on its territory. This is a sensitive issue for countries that maintain security alliances with the United States and are accepting an increasing number of US troops stationed at defense bases.
The document indicates that the U.S. Navy is hiring a global defense contractor to recruit approximately 110 engineers, mechanics, and materials and security experts to manage this Australian storage facility. The materials stored in the facility include “crew-served weapons”. Crew-served weapons, also known as infantry support weapons, are weapons that can be carried by infantry soldiers. However, they require two or more soldiers to operate together to achieve maximum effectiveness during combat operations.
The United States Marine Corps Pacific Force stated: “The Marine Corps’ activities in Australia support the global integrated logistics system. By maintaining equipment and supplies that can be deployed at any time, they provide support for military operations and exercises in the ‘Indo-Pacific region’.”
The unit refused to make hypothetical comments regarding contract details or troop deployment plans, but insisted that the equipment of the Marine Corps remains in a ‘highly combat-ready state’.
In 2023, after a biennial military exercise involving U.S. troops was held in Australia, U.S. Army trucks were kept at the Bardia Base. The Marine Corps Reserve Center project, which was approved last July, has nothing to do with the aforementioned exercise.
The United States Marine Corps stated: “The Marine Corps and Army equipment programs are designed to meet the needs of their respective services, and are managed according to different authorities and procedures.”
July 13, 2025, Sydney, Australia - "Bodyguard Knife-2025" Joint Exercise held. IC Photo
According to AFP, the US will coordinate closely with the Australian Ministry of Defence regarding the relevant contractual arrangements and facility operations. The Australian Ministry of Defence did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Previously, the U.S. Department of Defense has applied to Congress for $500 million to strengthen equipment and fuel prepositioning in the Asia-Pacific region next year, claiming that the purpose is to ‘deter China’. Currently, about 2,000 U.S. Marine Corps members participate in six-month exercises in Darwin, a city located on the other side of the Australian coast.
Australian National University Professor of International Security John Blaxland said that given people's concerns about the vulnerability of US military bases in Guam, Australia's geographical location is 'becoming increasingly important'.
With the influence of "The Indo-Pacific Region" reaching its highest level in a generation, the US Marine Corps is seeking to leverage Australia for material reserves. This is not unusual, as it is clear that unless Australian defense spending sees a significant increase, which is hardly likely given the political will does not seem to support such an investment. However, expanding US investments in Australian infrastructure remains the most prudent approach.
Regarding the recent hype about the "China threat theory" from the Australian Low Institute, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Lin Jian, stated on June 15th that we have noted relevant reports. China insists on pursuing a path of peaceful development. China's military buildup is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and interests, and it is not aimed at any specific country. China’s growing military strength represents the growth of world peace-loving forces.
Lin Jian pointed out that the relevant reports use the logic of 'a strong country must be hegemonic' to portray China, which is a serious strategic misjudgment of China. He advised relevant institutions to stop promoting the so-called 'China threat' and to view China's development objectively, fairly, and rationally.
In fact, in recent years, Australia's attempts to expand its military forces—such as participating in the so-called "U.S.-UK-Australia Trilateral Security Partnership" (AUKUS)—are the real mistakes that provoke the 'sensitive nerves' of regional security.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning also pointed out that regarding the cooperation among the United States, Britain, and Australia on nuclear submarines, China has repeatedly stated its serious stance. This cooperation poses a serious risk of nuclear proliferation, undermines the international nuclear non-proliferation system, fuels the arms race, and threatens peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. It has been widely questioned and opposed by regional countries and the international community. We urge the United States, Britain, and Australia to abandon cold-war mentality and zero-sum games, faithfully fulfill their international obligations, and do more things that are beneficial to regional peace and stability.
