The United States has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson to the South China Sea, the vital trade route and resource-rich waters in which China is building and weaponizing islands to claim as its own, USA Today reports.
The South China Sea hosts some $5.3 trillion in trade annually.
According to the Navy, Saturday's deployment encompassed “routine operations” in the South China Sea for the aircraft carrier.
China doesn't see it that way. Geng Shuang, spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, spoke out against the mission.
“China respects and upholds the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea which countries enjoy under international law, but firmly opposes any country’s attempt to undermine China’s sovereignty and security in the name of the freedom of navigation and overflight,” the Chinese official said.
The United States has kept an eye on China's moves in the South China Sea but has not formally condoned or opposed them. The Navy has, however, conducted “freedom of navigation” operations to ensure safe passage. Those have been interpreted by China as shows of force, and have often warranted warnings from Beijing. Last year, a Chinese admiral said these moves could lead to “disaster.”