The US Navy revealed on Saturday that two aircraft carriers were conducting exercises in the disputed South China Sea as China staged naval drills that drew “interest and some concern” from the Department of Foreign Affairs. The US Navy said in a statement that USS Nimitz and USS Ronald Reagan were already carrying out operations and exercises in the South China Sea “to support a free and open Indo-Pacific, most likely even before China began the exercises set from July 1 to 5. ” “The purpose is to show an unambiguous signal to our partners and allies that we are committed to regional security and stability,” Rear Adm. George Wikoff was quoted as saying by the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the exercises.

Aning, J., & Corrales, N. (2020, July 5). 2 carriers in South China Sea, US bares. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A5.