A United States aircraft carrier strike group has begun patrols in the South China Sea amid growing tension with China Over control of the disputed waterway and concerns it could become a flashpoint under the new US administration. China’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday warned Washington against challenging its sovereignty in the South China Sea. The U.S. navy said the force, including Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, began routine operations in the South China Sea on Saturday. The announcement was posted on the Vinson’s Facebook page. The strike group’s commander, Rear Admiral James Kilby, said that weeks of training in the Pacific had improved the group’s effectiveness and readiness.

Brago, P. (2017, February 20). US carrier group patrols South China Sea. Philippine Star, p. 10.