US aircraft carrier sparks regional fears as it challenges China’s military might in South China Sea
Washington stakes no claims in territorial disputes of the sea, but has declared maintaining the freedom of navigation is in its national interest
As fighter jets streaked overhead, a US aircraft carrier sailed through the disputed South China Sea to the Philippines on Tuesday, sparking regional alarm as strove to display America’s military might in the face of Chinese development in the sea.
The US Navy flew a small group of Philippine generals, officials and journalists to the USS Theodore Roosevelt, where fighter jets - from its roster of 65 aircraft, also including helicopters and spy planes - landed and took off from the nuclear-powered ship by catapult with thunderous blasts.
Recent US deployments of aircraft carriers, backed by destroyers, to the disputed waters for freedom of navigation challenges to Beijing’s territorial claims are reassuring allies but also prompting concerns with China’s own show of force in the busy waterway.
“It’s a showcase of the capability of the US armed forces not only by sea but also by air,” Philippine army Lt. General Rolando Bautista said after joining a tour of the 97,000-ton carrier.
“The Americans are our friends. In one way or another, they can help us to deter any threat,” Bautista said, adding that the American military presence helps secure vulnerable Philippine waters.m
