US Navy sails nuclear carrier through South China Sea amid rising tensions

NAVAL STATION NORFOLK (March 31, 2026) — The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), flagship of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, departed Naval Station Norfolk on March 31, 2026, to begin scheduled deployment operations. More than 5,000 personnel are assigned to the strike group, which provides combatant commanders and U.S. civilian leaders with increased capacity to underpin American security and economic prosperity, deter adversaries, and project power globally through sustained operations at sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Derek Cole)

Strategic Context

Amid extensive media coverage of the wars in Iran and Ukraine, one potential conflict has recently received less attention: tensions with China. That is now changing.

The United States is signaling to the People's Republic of China that it remains fully engaged in the Indo-Pacific region. In response, a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group has been deployed to East Asia to promote freedom of navigation and deter Chinese activity around disputed territories near the Philippines and Japan.

USS George Washington Deploys to South China Sea

The USS George Washington (CVN 73), a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, is currently operating in the South China Sea. The carrier and its crew are conducting a show of force and deterrence to maintain a strong U.S. presence in this strategic waterway.

The George Washington transited the Luzon Strait on July 22 following a mission in the Philippine Sea. The carrier strike group had recently participated in the Valiant Shield Exercise in June, which included joint operations with Japanese ships to demonstrate the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance.

"The USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group's advanced capabilities, including the F-35, are upholding freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea," said Lee Lipton, U.S. ambassador to the Philippines, as reported by Navy Times. "We challenge excessive maritime claims around the world."

Incidents with Chinese Coast Guard

The deployment has not been without incident. The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has been operating alongside the Chinese Coast Guard in actions that have drawn concern from the Philippines.

Second Thomas Shoal Incident

Chinese authorities deployed an inflatable raft to the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, approaching a Philippine warship in a threatening manner. Philippine forces responded by sending their own small, swift vessels. During the encounter, a Chinese Coast Guard sailor reportedly struck a Philippine crew member with a small club. While the incident did not escalate further, analysts warn it could have triggered a more severe response from both sides.

Scarborough Shoal Incident

On July 24, the Chinese Coast Guard used water cannons to intimidate Philippine vessels, including government-sponsored fishing boats, near the Scarborough Shoal.

Risk of Escalation

These micro-aggressions represent a form of hybrid warfare that could lead to an accident or miscalculation, potentially sparking a broader multinational conflict. The United States issued a statement condemning the incidents and indicated that China's actions warrant a more muscular response, including the continued presence of a carrier strike group to demonstrate that the Navy means business.

Secretary Rubio has also commented on the situation.