200 U.S. Marines have been posted to Australia as the U.S deepens its military presence in the Asia-Pacific. These troops will lead the way for a 2,500 task force who will eventually be based in Darwin for a sixth month posting.

Speaking at a press conference the United States Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich said the US and Australia are committed to keeping trade routes open and the bi lateral relationship with China

This deployment will allow the marines to respond quickly to any potential humanitarian and security issues in South-east Asia, where tension has risen due to disputes over sovereignty in the South China Seas.