A United States aircraft carrier was deployed to the South China Sea over swirling threats from China as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans to visit Taiwan amid the Taiwan-China tensions.
Reports revealed that the Pentagon has sent an aircraft carrier in preparation for Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.
On Tuesday, USS Ronald Reagan and a strike group left a port in Singapore and are now in South China Sea to prepare for a possible attack, a Navy spokesperson confirmed the news before adding that the visit was a planned trip.
“I can confirm USS Ronald Reagan and her strike group are now underway, operating in the South China Sea following a successful port visit to Singapore,” Lt. Mark Langford said in a statement.
“As a matter of policy, we do not discuss future ship movements; however, I will add that Reagan is continuing normal, scheduled operations as part of her routine patrol in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.” He added.
However, Langford did not say anything yet about the possible visit from Pelosi.
Earlier this week, the Navy announced that the USS Ronald Reagan had been operating in the South China Sea before its stop in Singapore.
Following their return, China warned that the country would take “firm and resolute measures” if the high-ranking Democrat decides to travel to the Chinese-claimed island nation.
On Thursday, Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Defense Ministry warned that the People’s Liberation Army will “never tolerate Taiwan independence separatist acts and external interference.”
Moreover, the Pentagon also warned that Pelosi’s trip would further escalate the tensions between the U.S and China.
The Department also added that her trip would increase the movement of American forces and assets in the region, including the use of ships, fighter jets and other assets to create protection for her flight in and her time on the ground.
However, despite the precautions, including the additional security that would be necessary, Pelosi still planned to go to Taiwan, dismissing the warnings against her threat.
If Pelosi continues to visit, she would be the highest-ranking American elected official to visit the country, Taiwan since 1997.
Since then, the People’s Republic of China has been claiming sovereignty over Taiwan and the Taiwan Strait, the ocean between the island of Taiwan and the Chinese mainland.
In fact, the Chinese military has been sending planes into the area, testing Taiwan’s air defense zone.
Meanwhile, the United States does not have official relations with Taiwan. However, the country has been stepping up engagement and fighting for the island in an attempt to help Taiwan as China seeks to isolate it from global institutions.
