A group of US aircraft carriers entered the South China Sea to promote “freedom of the seas” on Saturday, when Taiwan reported that China sent jet fighters and bombers to the island’s airspace, according to a report in the Sunday.
The USS Theodore Roosevelt led the attack group in the South China Sea days after President Biden was sworn in Wednesday at the Capitol – setting an initial test for the government, Reuters reported.
“After navigating these waters over my 30-year career, it is great to be in the South China Sea again, conducting routine operations, promoting the freedom of the seas and reassuring allies and partners,” Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo, commander of the attack group, said in a statement.
“With two thirds of world trade traveling through this very important region, it is vital to maintain our presence and continue to promote the rule-based order that has allowed us to prosper,” continues Veríssimo’s statement.
During his Senate confirmation hearing last week, Biden’s nominee for Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that former President Trump was correct in taking a hard line with China and said “there was no doubt” that the government led by the Communist Party represents the greatest challenge for the United States.
“President Trump was right to take a tougher approach to China. I strongly disagree with the way he did this in several areas, but the basic principle was right and I think this is really useful for our foreign policy, ”Blinken told the senators.
China, which claims control of large areas of the South China Sea along with Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan, has repeatedly criticized the United States for sending navy ships to the region.
The USS Roosevelt is part of an attack group comprised of the guided missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill and the guided missile destroyers USS Russell and USS John Finn.
On Saturday, China sent 13 warplanes to Taiwan’s airspace – eight bombers, four fighter jets and an anti-submarine patrol plane Blinken said at his hearing that the United States would continue to maintain its commitment to support Taiwan.
“There is a strong and long-standing bipartisan commitment to Taiwan,” said Blinken, adding: “The commitment to Taiwan is something we strongly advocate for.”