The nuclear-powered U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington has arrived off the Philippine capital, Manila, for a port visit as part of increased defense cooperation between the United States and the Philippines. This move aims to contest China's expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea. Concurrently, a Chinese aircraft carrier is visiting Hong Kong. Meanwhile, a UK-led Carrier Strike Group, including vessels such as HMS Prince of Wales, HMS Richmond, and Australian frigate HMAS Sydney, is transiting from Singapore to Australia in preparation for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. The group has also been seen operating alongside Indonesian and Canadian naval vessels during this deployment.