Chinese ships keep close watch on U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike group in S. China Sea

According to U.S. media, the U.S. has had the USS John S. Stennis, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, as well as the guided-missile destroyers USS Chung-Hoon and USS Stockdale, plus guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay and supply ship USNS Rainier, in the eastern part of the South China Sea since March 1 .

Spokesperson Hong Lei of the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that the United States has continued to increase its military presence in the South China Sea, noting that the U.S. also carries out highly targeted military drills in the region, and has sent military vessels and planes into China's territory without authorization to conduct close surveillance.

"What the United States has done has intensified tensions and is most likely to cause militarization in the South China Sea," Hong said.

He reiterated that China is firm in its resolve to maintain its territorial sovereignty and maritime interests.