The United States announced Wednesday an agreement with Australia, which will boost military cooperation between the countries and increase America’s presence there. The agreement was revealed on Barack Obama’s first visit to Australia as commander-in-chief. “Because of these initiatives that are the result of our countries working very closely together as partners, we are going to be in a position to more effectively strengthen the security of both of our nations and this region,” Obama said.
250 U.S. Marines will be deployed near Darwin. That number is expected to climb over the next several years to 2,500. The deal sends a message in light of China’s growing military strength, though U.S. officials cited the reason for the agreement as a way to respond to regional natural disasters.
