USAF B-1B Strategic Bombers Deployed to Guam Amidst Increasing Showdown with China

US Air Force B-1B Lancers landed at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 3, for a Pacific Air Forces Bomber Task Force (BTF) deployment.
Chinese warplanes have had close encounters with US and Australian aircraft in South China sea in recent days. A Chinese fighter jet dropped flares and flew at what Australia calls "unsafe distance" from an Australian maritime patrol aircraft last week.
In addition, China has increased its fighter and bomber fly past near the Taiwan air defense identification zone in what is seen in the West as intimidatory tactics.
Joint flights wih Russia in the Eastern Pacific have earned the ire of Japan whose defense minister brought this to the notice of his Chinese counterpart during the Shangrila dialogue in Singapore last week.
“Our presence here in Guam, and flights throughout the region, serve two strategic purposes,” said Lt. Col. Ross Hobbs, the 34th Bomb Squadron commander. “Assurance to our regional allies through consistent presence and multi-lateral integration, and deterrence of U.S. adversaries that continue to threaten stability of the world’s diplomatic, military, and economic spheres of influence.”
The personnel, aircraft and assets arrived from the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base to conduct PACAF training alongside allies, partners and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Joint Force.

In line with the National Defense Strategy’s objectives of strategic predictability and operational unpredictability, BTF missions demonstrate the ability of U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command to deliver lethal, ready, long-range strike options to Geographic Combatant Commanders anytime, anywhere, a USAF release said
“Long-range bomber operations and the unique Agile Combat Employment/BTF construct greatly strengthen our steadfast relationships with our allies and partner nations in the Pacific,” said Maj. Kristof Lieber, the 34th Bomb Squadron assistant director of operations.