The situation in the South China Sea is increasingly tense after China has seized many islands, expanding them and even making artificial ones, on which it builds military facilities.
China claims that almost the entire sea belongs to it, citing historical rights.
Other countries - the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan - claim that China is thereby encroaching on their economic zone and violating international law, which was also concluded by the Court in The Hague.
However, Beijing considers this verdict "null and void".
Incidents are becoming more frequent, including between Chinese and American ships.
By sending its fleet, Washington seeks to maintain freedom of navigation, which Beijing fiercely opposes.
Many fear that disputes in the South China Sea, combined with tensions over nearby Taiwan, could trigger a third world war.
Bonus video:
