Chinese and Russian spy vessels shadow US navy strike group to Korean peninsula

China and Russia have reportedly dispatched spy vessels to the Korean peninsula as the US Navy's strike group approaches the region. Both navies will monitor the movements of the American armada, which is led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson.

Japanese daily Yomiuri Shimbun reported that Russian and Chinese forces have stepped up their surveillance in the troubled waters in the region to keep a close track on all developments. Citing multiple unnamed government officials, the media outlet said that Japanese forces have accelerated their monitoring operations in the airspace and waters in the region.

In early April, Washington had announced that a strong naval strike group comprising the Nimitz-class supercarrier USS Carl Vinson, two guided-missile destroyers and a guided-missile cruiser will head towards the Korean peninsula instead of its original destination Australia. The mobilisation is seen as an attempt by the Trump administration to send a strong message to the Kim Jong-un regime that the US would not hesitate to use military force against the country.

Beijing had already sought Russia's help in bring stability in the divided Korean peninsula, but the cooperation over sending their vessels to tail the US forces would mark a significant progress if confirmed.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has reportedly insisted that the North Korean issue be resolved through diplomatic and political channels.

However, there are growing concerns as US President Donald Trump has suggested that he would not hesitate to use force to confront Pyongyang. China had earlier cautioned that a war could break out "any moment" in the Korean peninsula given the harsh stance taken by the parties involved.