Rising Tensions in Taiwan Waters... US Navy Deploys 4 Warships to Philippine Sea

Ronald Reagan [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Ahead of Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, visiting Taiwan, following Chinese military aircraft and warships flying or sailing through the Taiwan Strait, the U.S. Navy has deployed four warships, including a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, in the Philippine Sea, a foreign media outlet reported on the 2nd, citing naval officials.

According to the report, the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) passed through the South China Sea and is currently positioned in the Philippine Sea, east of Taiwan and the Philippines. The Ronald Reagan, homeported in Yokosuka, Japan, is operating alongside the guided missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG-54) and the guided missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG-76). Officials also stated that the amphibious assault ship Tripoli (LHA-7) is in the area.

These U.S. movements have raised speculation that they are preparing for a possible military clash with China, which is trying to deter Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. However, the U.S. Navy has explained that it is conducting routine missions.

With the deployment of the aircraft carrier, both the U.S. and China have forces deployed on both sides of Taiwan's waters. Several Chinese military aircraft flew close to the median line of the Taiwan Strait, the de facto boundary between China and Taiwan, on the morning of the same day, and Chinese warships have remained near the median line since the previous day.

Regarding China's actions, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense stated, "We are fully aware of military activities near Taiwan and will appropriately dispatch forces to respond to enemy threats."

Meanwhile, Taiwanese foreign media reported that Speaker Pelosi is expected to arrive in Taiwan around 10:20 PM on the same day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.