US Sends Carriers to South China Sea During Chinese Drills

Two U.S. aircraft carriers were conducting exercises in the disputed South China Sea as China also carried out military drills that have been criticised.

The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and the guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (C) conduct a photo exercise with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kaila V. Peters/Released

Two U.S. aircraft carriers were conducting exercises in the disputed South China Sea on July 4, the U.S. Navy said, as China also carried out military drills that have been criticized by the Pentagon and neighboring states.

China and the United States have accused each other of stoking tension in the strategic waterway at a time of strained relations over everything from the COVID-19 pandemic to trade to Hong Kong.