The USS Ronald Reagan passes through the San Bernardino Strait, July 30
The USS Ronald Reagan passes through the San Bernardino Strait, July 30. The Reagan is one of three ships operating in waters near Taiwan amid increased warnings from China.US Navy
  • According to USNI News, a US aircraft carrier and two ships are in the vicinity of Taiwan.

  • The ships are operating normally but could linger as a contingency option.

  • There have been renewed warnings over a Pelosi trip to Taiwan.

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.

According to a USNI News report, the Ronald Reagan is the only forward-Deployed aircraft 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, sails with the short takeoff and vertical landing variant of the fifth-generation fighter. F/A-18s are used in the Ronald Reagan's air wing.

Amid rising tensions between the US and China over Pelosi's possible visit to Taiwan, the US vessels are not deployed 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 Chinese side has expressed its serious concerns and solemn position to the US side many times recently that it firmly opposed House Speaker Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, stressing that her visit to Taiwan will lead to serious consequences," said the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman.

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, though she hasn't said if she will go.

Business Insider has an article on it.