Washington sends military reinforcements to support Taiwan in face of China

The US military said in a statement today that the aircraft carrier group "Theodore Roosevelt" has entered the South China Sea to promote "freedom of the seas", at a time when tension between China and Taiwan is causing concern in Washington.

In the context, the Indian and Pacific Oceans Region Command stated that the attack group entered the South China Sea on Saturday, the same day that Taiwan announced a major incursion of Chinese bombers and fighters in its area near the Bratas Islands.

The US Army's Indian and Pacific Oceans Command added that the group entered the waterway, of which China claims sovereignty, to conduct routine operations "to ensure freedom of the seas and build partnerships that enhance maritime security."

This escalation comes days after Biden’s inauguration as president of the United States, and Biden’s candidate for the post of Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, said during the confirmation hearing of his assumption of the portfolio in the Senate on Tuesday, that “Doubtlessly, China represents the most serious challenge facing Washington compared to any another country".

The US military statement said that the aircraft carrier was sailing with the guided missile cruiser "Bunker Hill" and the destroyers "Russell" and "John Finn" armed with guided missiles.

The US State Department said on Saturday that it "notes with concern the pattern of continuous (Chinese) attempts to intimidate its neighbors, including Taiwan."

In turn, ministry spokesperson Ned Price urged Beijing to stop its military, diplomatic and economic pressures against Taiwan and to enter into a meaningful dialogue with Taiwan's democratically elected representatives.

Taiwan and China seceded amid a civil war in 1949, which China says is determined to bring the island under its control by force if necessary.

J.O