Why This Australian City Could Find Itself In The Crosshairs Of A Global Conflict Again?

War first came to Australia’s shores on 19 February 1942, when 188 Japanese aircraft appeared over the centre of Darwin, a sparsely populated Australian military town.

Bombs rained down on the coast. The two air raids killed at least 230 people. That day was a precursor to some 200 raids across northern Australia, but it remains the deadliest attack.

Eighty years old, there are simmering fears the laidback holiday spot may find itself in the crosshairs of a global conflict again. Read on for Darwin’s strategically-important location.

A City Key To The US-led Defence Alliance In The Pacific

When Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets US President Joe Biden in Washington this week, deterring an assertive China will be on the agenda. At home, Darwin will be watching.

Home to several key military bases, Darwin is at the heart of deepening ties between Washington and Canberra, and the focus of a staggering investment from both governments.

Ties between Washington and Beijing have soured in recent years, with the latter’s claims over Taiwan and the South China Sea becoming more expansive and threatening.

A City That Is Conveniently “The Face Of The North”

According to defence analyst Michael Shoebridge, the “strategic importance of Darwin” becomes obvious when looking at a map.

You can drive across Darwin in about 15 minutes, but it is home to two military bases. The city could prove crucial in any confrontation with China.

Australia had maintained it didn’t have to choose between the US and China. But that calculation has changed, with Canberra moving hundreds more troops to Darwin and other northern cities.

Military Build-Up Making Some Darwin Locals Uneasy

Though there are differing opinions on the likelihood of a conflict with Beijing, the locals are worried the build-up won’t deter China but rather escalate simmering tensions.

They fear the US presence in the laidback military town could pressure Australia into a conflict it simply shouldn’t be involved in, and make their hometown a target.

There are also immediate concerns over the impact these expanding bases could have on the natural beauty the Northern Territory (NT) – where Darwin is located – is known for.