© Bullit Marquez/AP
The aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan has sailed through the disputed South China Sea in the latest show of America's military might amid new territorial flareups involving China and three rival claimant states as Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia.
A U.S. aircraft carrier sailed through the disputed South China Sea on Tuesday in the latest show of America's military might amid new territorial flare-ups involving
China and three rival claimant states.
The U.S. Navy flew a small group of
Philippine generals, officials and journalists to the aircraft carrier
Ronald Reagan, where they watched fighter jets landing and taking off by catapult with thunderous blasts. The nuclear-powered carrier, carrying about 70 supersonic F/A-18 jets, spy planes and helicopters, was en route to Manila for a port visit.
Armed cruisers kept watch a few miles (kilometers) away from the carrier.
"The motto of this carrier is peace through strength," Rear Adm. Karl Thomas told journalists.
He said the American military presence
helps provide security and stability that foster diplomatic talks among rival claimant nations. He made the comment when asked what
message the warship's presence was sending amid new tensions involving China and rival claimants Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines over long-contested territories.
"We just think that
folks should follow the international law and our presence allows us to provide that security and stability in the background for these discussions to take place," Thomas said.
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