US deploys nuclear aircraft carrier to South China sea amid rising tensions with China

 Washington (The Uttam Hindu): The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and subsequent US action have caused worldwide uproar. Meanwhile, the US has now shifted its focus toward Asia, raising China's concerns. The US has deployed its massive nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, in the strategically important South China Sea.

During this deployment, F-35C stealth fighter jets flew from the carrier, demonstrating US power. While the US Navy is describing it as a "routine patrol," defense experts are considering it an open warning and a clear message to China.

Fighter jets roared in the sky

The US Navy released photos on Wednesday showing the USS Abraham Lincoln conducting flight operations in the South China Sea. According to the Navy, the primary purpose of this deployment is to deter any aggressive activity in the region, strengthen military coordination with allies, and maintain peace and order in the region.

The Unstoppable Warriors: F-35C and Super Hornet

The USS Abraham Lincoln is no ordinary ship; it carries with it some of the world's deadliest weapons. The warship is equipped with radar-evading stealth fighter jets like the F-35C Lightning II, specifically designed to operate from aircraft carriers. Furthermore, the warship is equipped with the F/A-18 Super Hornet multirole fighter jet and the EA-18G Growler, electronic attack aircraft, making it invincible at sea. This massive warship, which departed from the US port of San Diego in late November, has now arrived here after completing operations in the Philippine Sea and Guam.

Why is the dragon scared?

The South China Sea is an area where China and its neighbors (such as the Philippines and Vietnam) have long-standing border disputes. China claims historical rights to this entire sea area. Since the Philippines is a US defense ally, China is not happy with the US presence.

The US believes that a monopoly on this region by any single country could disrupt the world's most vital maritime trade routes. China has the world's largest navy (by number of ships), so the US frequently sends its supercarriers there to counterbalance it.

This fleet can also go to the Middle East

It's unclear how long the USS Abraham Lincoln will patrol under China's nose. US President Donald Trump has already indicated that if tensions with Iran escalate and the situation worsens, the warship could be diverted from the South China Sea to the Middle East.