2011 USS Ronald Reagan Photo Resurfaces Online Amid Taiwan Tensions
The Claim
A photo depicts the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan deployed by the U.S. Navy near Taiwan.
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Emerging story
Users on social media and news websites are circulating a photo of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, claiming that it has been deployed by the U.S. Naval Forces near Taiwan to monitor the situation. The claim is circulating in different languages.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating claim and found it to be misleading.
The photo is old and unrelated to the recent Taiwan tensions.
U.S. Navy Aids Japan Tsunami
Using TinEye, Misbar found that the photo circulating with a misleading claim was taken on March 11, 2011.
At the time, the U.S. Navy dispatched the carrier USS Ronald Reagan to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Japan following an 8.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami.
USS Ronald Reagan Conducting Operations
The photo started circulating after the U.S. Navy announced on August 4, 2022, that the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier was undertaking ordinary routine operations in the Philippine Sea, 5.7 million square kilometers southeast of Taiwan.
Contrary to viral claims, Misbar’s team did not find any statements or press releases on the White House's official website on Thursday, August 4, 2022, that they ordered the USS Ronald Reagan to remain near Taiwan "to monitor the situation."
Taiwan Cancels Flights
Airline flights were canceled by Taiwan on August 4, 2022, after China conducted military exercises near Taiwan in retaliation for Nancy Pelosi's visit.
China conducted military drills off the coasts of Taiwan on Thursday, which included the launch of ballistic missiles and the deployment of fighter jets.
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