Two US aircraft carriers have started exercises in the Philippine Sea, defence officials said Sunday, as Washington's close ally Manila faces growing pressure from Beijing in the South China Sea.
The US Pacific Command said the USS John C. Stennis and USS Ronald Reagan, among the world's largest warships, began conducting air defence drills, sea surveillance, and long range strikes on Saturday.
The command said the operations marked America's continued presence in the Asia-Pacific as China expands its maritime strength and engages in massive island building activities in disputed waters. "No other Navy can concentrate this much combat power on one sea...It was truly impressive," said US Rear Admiral Marcus Hitchcock, carrier strike group commander.
US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter visited the Stennis in April as it sailed off the Philippines near the disputed area where China has expanded islets and reefs into islands capable of supporting airfields and other installations.
The Philippines has been improving its defence ties with the US, its long-time treaty ally and former colonial ruler, to help boost the ability of one of Asia's weakest armed forces.
The US exercises synchronised the activities of over 12,000 sailors, 140 aircraft, six combatants and the two carriers, said Hitchcock. The command said the drills were meant to promote freedom of navigation and overflight in the region's airspace and waters.