China warns of arms race amid reports US B-52 bombers will be deployed to NT

China has warned a build-up of defence assets in the Northern Territory could start an arms race in the region. This comes amid reports the US Air Force could deploy nuclear-capable bombers to the Northern Territory. “The relevant US behaviours have increased regional tensions, seriously undermined regional peace and stability and may trigger an arms race in the region,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said. “China urges the parties concerned to abandon the outdated cold war and … narrow-minded geopolitical thinking.”