Trump deploys new nuclear submarine squadron near China’s backyard as Xi’s Type 096 sub scares US?

The U.S. Navy has established Submarine Squadron 3 at HMAS Stirling, strengthening its undersea presence in the Indo-Pacific under the AUKUS framework. Beginning in 2027, the squadron will support rotating U.S. attack submarines operating from Australia, enhancing logistics, maintenance and rapid-response capabilities. Australia is investing billions of dollars to expand facilities at the base, which sits near key maritime routes linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The move is part of Washington’s broader strategic focus on Asia and is expected to improve tracking of Chinese, Russian and North Korean submarine activity across the region.