2 US carriers enter South China Sea

TWO aircraft carriers of the United States Navy entered the hotly contested South China (West Philippine) Sea recently amid China’s continued activities in the area.

The US Navy’s Task Force 70, in a statement posted on its website, said the Nimitz Carrier Strike Force entered the disputed areas “with unmatched sea power while deployed to the South China Sea.”

The two aircraft carriers were the USSRonald Reagan (CVN 76) and USSNimitz (CVN 68).

“High- end integrated exercises build unmatched flexibility, endurance, maneuverability and firepower in an all-domain warfighting environment. These efforts support enduring US commitments to stand up for the right of all nations to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows,” the statement read.

China recently conducted its own large-scale military exercises near the Paracel Islands located in the South China Sea, which is claimed by Beijing.

The drills ended on Sunday, July 5.

The US carriers conducted “several tactical exercises designed to maximize air defense capabilities” while in the disputed waters.

They simulated enemy attacks by testing the force’s ability to detect, intercept and engage threats being spotted, the US Navy’s task force said.

Rear Adm. George Wikoff, commander of the strike group led by the USSRonaldReagan, was quoted as saying the exercises in the South China Sea aimed “to show an unambiguous signal to our partners and allies that we are committed to regional security and stability.”

The US Navy has long been deploying its assets to the contested waters.