Radio Taiwan International 
Date: 19 November, 2018
By: Natalie Tso

The USS John C Stennis and the USS Ronald Reagan come to the West Pacific

Taiwan’s Defense Minister Yen Teh-fa says that the US has sent two aircraft carriers to the West Pacific as part of its Indo-Pacific strategy. He says they are there to maintain peace and security in the region.

The USS John C Stennis is currently in the Philippine Sea and the USS Ronald Reagan is near the Balintang Channel off the Northern Philippines.

The defense minister says Taiwan’s military is keeping close tabs on the two warships. He says Taiwan respects the freedom of navigation principles defended by the United States.

A US press release says the two carriers were recently conducting high-end dual carrier operations in the Philippine Sea. The press release also says that bringing two carrier strike groups together provides unparalleled naval combat power, as well as tremendous operational flexibility and reach across the region. It says the US Navy will fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows.    [FULL  STORY]