China warns US plans to deploy B-52 bombers to Australia could ‘trigger arms race in region’

China has issued a stern warning that Washington’s plans to deploy six of its nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to an Australian military base may “trigger an arms race” and escalate tensions in the region.

According to Press TV, Zhao Lijian, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman, speaking at a regular briefing on Monday in Beijing called on the US and Australia to abandon what it called an “outdated Cold War zero-sum mentality” and “narrow geopolitical mindset”.

“Such a move by the US and Australia escalates regional tensions, gravely undermines regional peace and stability, and may trigger an arms race in the region,” Zhao said.

The spokesman stressed that defense and security cooperation between countries should not target third parties, calling for an end to the “Cold War zero-sum mentality”.

He further added that the countries should “do more things that are good for regional peace and stability and mutual trust among all parties.”

“China urges the parties concerned to abandon the old Cold War zero-sum mentality and narrow geopolitical concepts, and do more to contribute to regional peace and stability and to enhance mutual trust,” Zhao said.

According to reports, citing sources familiar with these developments, dedicated facilities for long-range bombers will be set up at the air base, which lies about 300 km (190 miles) south of Darwin, the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory.

The development was first reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corp’s Four Corners program, citing US documents.

The US plans are seen as a warning to Beijing amid growing tensions between the two countries over Taiwan.