25.01.2021 | South China Sea war fears erupt as US carrier group enters to confront Beijing
Source - The Daily Express
Beijing claims sovereignty over almost all of the region but this clashes with rival claims from five of its neighbours. The United States rejects Chinese sovereignty over the world’s busiest shipping lane and regularly sends warships on “freedom of navigation” patrols through the area.
USS Theodore Roosevelt is being accompanied by USS Bunker Hill, a guided-missile cruiser, and Arleigh Burke class destroyers USS Russell and USS John Finn.
The US said the mission was taking place to “ensure freedom of the seas, build partnerships that foster maritime security”.
Rear Admiral Doug Verissimo, who is commanding the carrier group, added: “After sailing through these waters throughout my 30-year career, it's great to be in the South China Sea again, conducting routine operations, promoting freedom of the seas, and reassuring allies and partners.
“With two-thirds of the world's trade travelling through this very important region, it is vital that we maintain our presence and continue to promote the rules-based order which has allowed us all to prosper.”
On Sunday, Chinese combat aircraft made a major incursion into Taiwanese airspace for the second day running.
The operation involved 15 aircraft including 12 fighter jets.
Taiwanese forces warned the intruders away and prepared missiles as a precaution.
China regards Taiwan, which is situated off its eastern seaboard, as an integral part of its territory and has threatened military action to bring it under control.
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