US aircraft carrier strike group begins patrols in South China Sea

This US Navy photo obtained February 7, 2017 shows the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) participating in a vertical replenishment-at-sea with the Black Knights of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC 4) and the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10) in the Pacific Ocean on February 3, 2017. (Via AFP)

A United States aircraft carrier strike group has begun what the US Navy called “routine patrols” in the South China Sea days after China warned Washington against challenging its sovereignty in the disputes waters.

The US Navy said the strike group, including Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, began patrolling operations in the South China Sea on Saturday.

The group’s commander, Rear Admiral James Kilby, said the effectiveness and readiness of his force had been improved following weeks of training in the Pacific.

"We are looking forward to demonstrating those capabilities while building upon existing strong relationships with our allies, partners and friends in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region," Kilby was quoted as saying by the Navy News Service.

China claims most of the strategic waterway, through which $5 trillion in trade passes annually. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei also have overlapping claims with Beijing.

This file photo shows a part of the city of Sansha on Woody Island in the disputed Paracel chain, which China now considers part of its Hainan Province. (By AFP)

US Navy officials announced a week ago that they were considering sailing more warships near China’s man-made islands in the contested waters.

Tensions between the US and China over trade and territory have increased since President Donald Trump took office, raising concerns that the tense South China Sea could become a flashpoint.

Responding to reports of more US naval patrols, China's Foreign Ministry warned Washington on Wednesday against any military activities in the area.

"We urge the US not to take any actions that challenge China's sovereignty and security," Geng Shuang, the ministry’s spokesman, said at a press conference.

The US last conducted what it called a “freedom of navigation” operation in the South China Sea in October, which included patrols by the guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur, near the Paracel Islands and in waters claimed by Beijing.

This aerial photo taken on January 2, 2017 shows a Chinese navy formation, including the aircraft carrier Liaoning (C), during military drills in the South China Sea. (Photo by AFP)

China says Washington is meddling in the regional issues and is deliberately escalating the situation in the waters.

China wrapped up its own war games in the South China Sea on Friday. Naval exercises involving an aircraft carrier further rattled neighbors that have been embroiled in long-running territorial disputes with Beijing.