 U.S. has built up military stash for potential Taiwan war. The U.S. used last year's largest ever joint drills with Australia to create new stockpiles of equipment in the country in preparation for a potential conflict with China over Taiwan, Reuters reported citing sources. According to U.S. officials interviewed by the agency, the war material was stashed during the talisman's sabre exercises last July and August. The drills, which were held in and around Australia, involved more than 34,000 troops from 13 nations and focused on boosting combat readiness and logistical capabilities. The equipment, from the exercises included 330 vehicles and trailers and 130 containers stored in the southeastern part of Australia, Reuters reported. It added that in the event of a conflict, this would be enough to supply about three logistics companies with a combined strength of 500 or more soldiers. Alternatively, the equipment could be used during future drills or to deal with a potential natural disaster. Numerous officials interviewed by the news agency cited logistics as a weak spot in the U.S. military, which China could exploit in the event of a conflict potentially by bombing refuelling ships and jet fuel depots. Such tactics, the officials warned, could allow Beijing to hamstring Washington without having to engage the bulk of U.S. forces. The Chinese embassy in the U.S. did not directly comment on the report but told Reuters that Washington should stop enhancing military contact with the Taiwan region and stop creating factors that could heighten tensions in the Taiwan Strait.