The Pentagon has plans to deploy four submarines to a base in Australia. According to The Wall Street Journal, the first sub is set to arrive at the HMAS Stirling naval base next year. That deployment could give the U.S. military an edge in a potential conflict over Taiwan or the South China Sea.
Meanwhile, Australia is investing billions of dollars into the base and a nearby maintenance zone.
A U.S. commander said having a service and repair facility nearby would allow the U.S. Navy to return to the fight more quickly.