Australia rules out US nuclear aircraft carrier base

AUSTRALIA: Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith has rejected a proposal to base a US nuclear aircraft carrier and other warships in the country, a move that would rankle key trade partner China.

The idea of using the Australian navy's western base, HMAS Stirling near Perth, to host an American carrier group, and other fighter jets was reportedly raised in a study of US military posture in the Asia-Pacific. Media in Australia said the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) report, commissioned by the US Defence Department, has been submitted to Congress. AFP