Washington DC has deployed naval forces in the South China Sea for the second time in two weeks following rising tensions between the United States and China.

A statement from the US Navy said that relations between the two countries were strained and that it was the second time in two weeks that US aircraft carriers had been deployed near China’s territorial waters.

The statement also said that two aircraft carriers returned to the area on Friday after taking part in operations and military exercises on July 4 and 6.

Rear Admiral Jim Kirk said in a statement that the two aircraft carriers patrol the South China Sea in accordance with international law to keep the seas in the region free and open to all, as promised to our allies in our region.

US Navy Rear Admiral Jim Kirk added that the presence of ships in the area was not in response to any political or global developments. However, according to Reuters, relations between Washington and Beijing are currently strained in everything from the coronavirus to trade from Hong Kong.