In a move that is bond to infuriate China further, US Defense Secretary Ash Carter said on Friday that he will visit a U.S. aircraft carrier stationed in the disputed South China Sea.          

Carter made the statement during a ceremony in the ongoing joint U.S.-Philippines military exercise, which began in the South China Sea earlier this week. The joint U.S.-Philippines military exercise has already angered China. Beijing said that the move has led to the militarization of disputed maritime territory.

Like Us on Facebook

Carter's tentative visit to the U.S. aircraft carrier is not unprecedented as several high profile U.S. officials have made such visits in the past. Nonetheless, the visit is expected to stoke further tension amid China's increasingly assertive claim over territories in the disputed South China Sea region.       

With China becoming increasingly dominant in the region, last year the U.S. conducted several "freedom of navigation" operations in the contested area. The operations included sailing within 12-nautical mile of the territorial limits of disputed islands controlled by China.

The operation was aimed at taming down China's assertiveness in the region. However, the operation backfired after China responded with more provocative actions including deployment of missiles and fighter jets at woody islands.

The U.S. and its allies has also raised South China Sea issue at many international forums including at regional and international summits.     

Besides China, several neighboring countries including Brunei, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam also have competing claims in the South China Sea.

TagsSouth China Sea, U.S., china, Ash Carter