JAKARTA - A US aircraft carrier and its strike group have returned to the South China Sea following a port call in Singapore, stationed in disputed territory as tensions with China escalate over a possible visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan.
Officials in the US Navy's Seventh Fleet confirmed the deployment of the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) to the critical trade route, but did not comment on questions about tensions during the voyage by Pelosi.
"USS Ronald Reagan and his strike group are on their way, operating in the South China Sea following a successful port visit to Singapore," Commander Hayley Sims said in a statement to Reuters.
Sims added that the USS Ronald Reagan "continues normal and scheduled operations as part of its routine patrols to support a free and open Indo-Pacific."
When asked for comment, China's foreign ministry said the US was once again 'flexing its muscles' in the South China Sea with the sailing of the USS Ronald Reagan.
"From here it is clear for everyone to see who is the biggest threat to the South China Sea and the peace and stability of the Asian region," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a regular briefing on Thursday.
News of the deployment of the Japan-based carrier comes as Beijing and Washington exchange diplomatic criticism over Pelosi's visit which was reportedly due to take place next month after being postponed earlier this year. Pelosi has not confirmed the possibility of such a trip.
Earlier, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said on Wednesday he had spoken to Pelosi and given her a security assessment, but any comments about her possible trip to Taiwan would have to come from her office.
Tensions over democratically-ruled Taiwan are expected to be discussed when US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping hold their fifth phone call, which could take place as soon as Thursday.
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China has issued a stern warning to US officials about Pelosi's possible visit to Taiwan, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said Monday. Beijing regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control.
US officials on Tuesday accused China of stepping up provocations against rival claimants in the South China Sea and said its aggressive and irresponsible behavior meant it was only a matter of time before there was a major incident or accident.
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