China Sends A Message With A Massive Display Of Naval Power

© Planet Labs via Reuters

Kris Osborn, National Interest: China Just Challenged America in the Pacific With a Massive Naval "Live Fire" Show of Force

A U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group has arrived in the Pacific in a show of force as U.S.-China tensions rise, China conducts a massive military exercise and U.S. warships sail within 12 miles of territory claimed by China.

The arrival of the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group in the region comes shortly after the USS Mustin, a U.S. Navy destroyer, sailed within 12 miles of a Chinese-claimed artificial island chain as part of ongoing U.S. Freedom of Navigation (FONOPs) exercises.

“The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group will conduct a variety of operations, including addressing shared maritime security concerns and building relationships with partners navies,” Lt. Liza Dougherty, Navy spokeswoman, told Warrior Maven.

Although South China Sea territorial disputes have been lingering beneath the radar amid growing tensions with North Korea, U.S. military officials confirmed to Warrior Maven that the Freedom of Navigation exercise did take place - and that the issue of China’s “excessive maritime claims” has by no means gone away.

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WNU Editor: This was not only a message to the U.S. .... but to every country in Asia.

More News And Analysis On The Latest Chinese Naval Exercise

Satellite Photos Reveal Gigantic Chinese Fleet of More Than 40 Ships -- Popular Mechanics
China's aircraft carrier spotted in huge naval drill -- AFP
China offers show of naval force in South China Sea -- Financial Times
Beijing just flexed its navy in the South China Sea, but in a ridiculous way that the US could quickly smoke -- Business Insider
China says South China Sea drills routine, no word on carrier -- Reuters
US challenged by China's navy in South China Sea -- CNN
Photos Show Massive Chinese Naval Exercise in South China Sea -- The Diplomat
What's behind Beijing's South China Sea moves – and why US patrols are making things worse -- South China Morning Post
US-China War Possible over South China Sea Dispute? -- EurAsian Times
How Beijing is winning in the South China Sea -- Reuters