Three US Navy ships, an aircraft carrier and two amphibious assault ships carrying stealth fighters are operating in waters near Taiwan as China doubles down on its warnings of a possible military response should Nancy Pelosi go through with a visit to Taiwan.
According to a new USNI News report, the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan is the only forward-Deployed carrier.
The Reagan is based in Japan and operates in the Philippine Sea. According to the defense outlet, the America is in the East China Sea and the Tripoli is south of Okinawa.
As part of an evaluation of the Marine Corps' "lightning carrier" concept, as many as 20 Marine Corps F-35Bs are being carried by the Tripoli. The America, which has been a testing platform for the same concept, has a short takeoff and vertical landing variant. F/A-18s are used in the Ronald Reagan's air wing.
Amid rising tensions between the US and China over a possible visit to Taiwan by Pelosi, the US vessels are not being used as force protection assets.
A senior defense official told the outlet that the ships and aircraft could stay in the area if necessary. The US military is making plans in the event of an incident, according to an Associated Press report.
China warned of possible military action if Pelosi goes to Taiwan.
The Foreign Ministry spokesman said that the Chinese side has expressed its serious concerns and solemn position to the US side that Pelosi's visit to Taiwan will lead to serious consequences.
The Chinese People's Liberation Army will never sit idly by, doubling down on China's warnings. It is not clear what the Chinese will do.
China sees Taiwan as part of Chinese territory and has said it would view Pelosi's visit as a show of support for the island's independence.
CNN reported Monday that Pelosi is expected to arrive in Taiwan as early as Tuesday evening, although she has not said if she will go.
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