The Philippine and U.S. Air Forces practiced jet fighter manoeuvres during two weeks of bilateral military exercises in the Philippines, which is facing threats from Communist China.

Footage shows fighter planes flying over the Basa Air Base in Floridblanca, Pampanga, for the first iteration of Cope Thunder Philippines 2024 on April 11.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said the joint drills were commenced at the Northern Luzon Intensive Military Training Area on April 8, and involved some 700 airmen from various units in the Philippine and US Air Forces.

FA-50PH fighter jets from the Philippines, and F-16 and C-130J aircraft from the US conducted field exercises, while seminars involving air and ground operations, logistics, and mission support planning and execution were also held.

Major General Fabian Pedregosa, chief of the Air Defense Command, said the event 'underscored the unwavering commitment of the PAF and its international allies to enhancing interoperability, strengthening deterrence and defense capabilities, promoting regional security and stability, and bolstering diplomatic ties.'

Cope Thunder Philippines 2024 will be held until April 19, with a second iteration tentatively scheduled in June.

The Philippines has seen a number of clashes with Chinese vessels in the South China Sea in recent months.

Expansionist China currently lays claim over almost the entire South China Sea, one of the world's busiest sea lanes. But a United Nations-backed tribunal in 2016 deemed its claims groundless.

The Communist rogue state - accused of genocide for its crimes against the Uyghur population - has been steadily increasing its influence in recent years through investment in developing countries.