US aircraft carrier strike USS Carl Vinson, with a fleet of supporting warships, started patrolling in the South China Sea despite growing tension with China over the disputed waterway.

The deployment followed amid a stern warning from the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday against challenging Beijing's sovereignty and security over the disputed waterway.

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The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier started its routine operations in the region on Saturday, according to its Facebook page as cited by Reuters.

"We are looking forward to demonstrating those capabilities while building upon existing strong relationships with our allies, partners, and friends in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region," Rear Admiral James Kilby, strike group's commander, was quoted saying by Navy News Service. He also added that their weeks-long training in the Pacific improved their group's effectiveness and readiness.

The USS Carl Vinson has been last seen in the South China Sea two years ago as it carried out military drills with the Malaysian navy and air force. The aircraft career has made 16 voyages in the region in its 35 years of service.

The US has criticized Beijing's development of man-made islands and military facilities in the sea, saying these could be used to restrict free movement. President Donald Trump's administration also committed to stop China from ruling the region.

China, on the other hand, has recently finished its own naval drills using its own aircraft carrier on the South China Sea last Friday.

China claims several contested shoals, islets, and reefs in the region. It has also constructed artificial islands with airstrips. An estimated $5 trillion worth of trade passes through the South China Sea every year.

Neighboring countries including Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines are also claiming parts of the contested waters not only for its strategic sea lanes but also for its fish- and mineral-rich grounds.

TagsAircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson, South China Sea, disputed islands, donald trump, china