U.S. military in Asia-Pacific
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Beijing is using artificial islands in the disputed South China Sea to
extend the range of its strategic bomber force. Anti-ship cruise missiles can now threaten U.S. Asia-Pacific region bases
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YJ-18: Anti-Ship 
Cruise Missile (ASCM)

Payload: Up to 300kg

Turbojet: Sea-skimming missile cruises at Mach 0.8 (985km/h)

Solid fuel rocket: Accelerates missile to Mach 3 (3,700km/h)

Length: 8.2m Range: 530km

Xian H-6:
Nuclear-capable bomber 
Combat range: 1,800km

China air bases U.S. bases 

Countries with Enhanced Defense
Cooperation Agreement with U.S.

NEPAL 
BANGLADESH
CHINA
Combat range of H-6
MYANMAR
THAILAND
Indian Ocean
INDONESIA
Paracels
South China Sea
Spratlys
Lumbia
Darwin
AUSTRALIA
1,600km 1,000 miles
Misawa Seoul
SOUTH KOREA
Yokosuka
Sasebo JAPAN Kadena
Pacific Ocean
Fort Magsaysay
Kunsan 
Hainan
Sanya
PHILIPPINES
Antonio Bautista
INDIA
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Guam: Home to major U.S. military facilities, including Andersen Air Force Base
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U.S. Asia-Pacific region 7th Fleet: Japan-based aircraft carrier strike group at Yokosuka,
80 other vessels, 140 aircraft
Pacific Fleet: 140,000 personnel, 200 ships, 1,200 aircraft. Based at Hawaii
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Sources: The Diplomat, Reuters © GRAPHIC NEWS