The move of the Vinson strike group is in response to recent North Korean provocations, the official said, according to CNN.
Adm. Harry Harris, the commander of U.S. Pacific Command, directed the USS Carl Vinson strike group to sail north to the Western Pacific after departing Singapore on Saturday, Pacific Command announced.
It is not uncommon for aircraft carriers to operate in that area, and the United States regularly deploys military assets, such as aircraft, to the region as a show of force. In fact, the Vinson was in South Korea last month for military exercises.
Read alsoTrump's options for North Korea include placing nukes in South Korea – mediaJust days ago, North Korea launched a Scud extended-range missile, which US officials said exploded in flight. The regime also has recently conducted several missile engine tests as it works to improve its ballistic missile technology.
Earlier this year, North Korea says it successfully tested a nuclear warhead. Pyongyang claims it is pursuing nuclear weapons to defend itself from what it calls U.S. aggression.
News of the carrier move comes just after a summit meeting between U.S. President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, where North Korea was one of the top items on the agenda.
