Reuters
The US military announced today, Sunday, that the aircraft carrier group “Theodore Roosevelt” has entered the South China Sea to promote “freedom of the seas”, at a time when tension between China and Taiwan is causing concern in Washington.
In a statement, the Indian and Pacific Oceans Region Command stated that the attack group entered the South China Sea on Saturday, the same day that Taiwan announced an incursion of Chinese bombers and fighters into an area it claimed to be near the Bratas Islands.
The statement added that the US Naval Group entered the waterway, of which China claims sovereignty over a large part, to conduct routine operations “to ensure freedom of the seas and build partnerships that enhance maritime security.”
This comes days after the inauguration of Joe Biden as president of the United States.
And Anthony Blinken, Biden’s nominee for the post of Secretary of State, said during the confirmation hearing of his assumption of the portfolio in the Senate last Tuesday, that “there is no doubt that China represents the most serious challenge to Washington,” compared to any other country.
A statement by the US military said that the aircraft carrier was sailing with the guided missile cruiser “Bunker Hill” and the destroyers “Russell” and “John Fein” equipped with guided missiles.
Source: Reuters
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