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South China Sea: US carrier group begins 'routine' patrols

Issue February 2017

South China Sea: US carrier group begins 'routine' patrols

BBC NEWS From the section China

February 19, 2017

 

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.

 

China has built islands on reefs and, says a think tank, is building military facilities on some

 

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 Defense 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."

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-39018882

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