Obama raises tension in the Pacific

A discussion of Pine Gap - a top-secret miltary base in the middle of the Australian desert.

President Obama announced Wednesday that the US will position 2,500 Marines in Australia.

 According to Obama this is a top priority for the US but Beijing didn't welcome the move with open arms. 

China believes this transfer of power by Obama is an attempt to escalate military tensions in the region. 

The agreement between Obama and Prime Minister Julia Gillard marks the first long-term expansion of the military presence since the end of the Vietnam War. 

Donna Mulhearn, a peace activist, gives us her take on the move and tells us what it means for the region.