The US Seventh Fleet said in a statement that the USS Ronald Reagan maneuver was part of a scheduled operation and that the ship left Changi Naval Base in Singapore on Tuesday.
This crossing takes place at a time of tension between the two powers, due to the possible visit of the Democratic leader of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, to Taiwan.
Pelosi has yet to officially announce any trips to Taiwan — territory Beijing claims as a breakaway province to be forcibly reunited if necessary — but the Chinese government has warned that she will respond with “strong measures” if the visit is confirmed.
However, the Seventh Fleet pointed out that the ship is carrying out maritime security operations before reaching the South China Sea.
These include sea and air operations, as well as coordinated tactical exercises between troops on land and in the air.
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