South China Sea: US carrier group begins 'routine' patrols
US aircraft carrier the USS Carl Vinson has started what it calls "routine operations" in the South China Sea, with a fleet of supporting warships.
The deployment comes days after China's foreign ministry warned Washington against challenging Beijing's sovereignty in the region.
China claims several contested shoals, islets and reefs in the area.
It has been constructing artificial islands with airstrips in the South China Sea for a number of years.
- Flying close to Beijing's new islands
- Why is the South China Sea contentious?
- Images 'show weapons built on islands'
The aircraft carrier was last in the South China Sea two years ago, for exercises with Malaysia's navy and air force and has made 16 voyages to the region in its 35 years of US navy service.
US Defence Secretary James Matthis said during a recent trip to Japan that the Trump administration saw no need for "dramatic military moves" at the stage.
The statement appeared to repudiate comments on the subject from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who told senators during his confirmation hearings that China should be prevented from reaching the disputed islands.
On Wednesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said: "We urge the US not to take any actions that challenge China's sovereignty and security."
South China Sea: US carrier group begins 'routine' patrols
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-39018882
Hàng không mẫu hạm Mỹ USS Carl Vinson tuần tra Biển Đông
WASHINGTON (NV) – Đội tàu đặc nhiệm với hàng không mẫu hạm USS Carl Vinson đang có mặt và tuần tra trên Biển Đông giữa những dấu hiệu căng thẳng với Trung Quốc trên vùng biển nhiều quốc gia tranh chấp chủ quyền.
Hàng không mẫu hạm USS Carl Vinson đang tuần tra trên Biển Đông. (Hình: USS Navy)
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