The US sent two aircraft carriers and 150 fighters to conduct exercises in the Philippine Sea.
Two US aircraft carriers along with 150 fighter jets are conducting "combined" exercises in the Philippine Sea, in a show of force in waters south of China.
In a press release from the US 7th Fleet, two aircraft carriers, the USS Ronald Reagan and USS John C Stennis, which are normally stationed in Japan, were deployed to the above waters from the US West Coast.
These carriers participated in anti-aircraft, anti-ship and anti-submarine exercises. Commander of the 7th Fleet, Vice Admiral Phil Sawyer stated: "Bringing two aircraft carrier strike groups shows unmatched naval combat power."
The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan also participated in the largest exercise around Japanese territory this month, involving dozens of warships, hundreds of aircraft and thousands of military personnel from the US and Japan.
The US Navy has conducted similar exercises in the past, including one involving three aircraft carriers last year amid rising tensions with North Korea.
Meanwhile, the latest drills coincided with a visit to the region by US Vice President Mike Pence, and amid denuclearization talks with North Korea showing little sign of progress and an escalating trade war with China./.