U.S. and Philippine fighter pilots underwent held combat training as the Philippines faced ongoing threats from Communist China.

FA-50 and F-16 aircraft flew over the Intensive Military Training Area near Zambales province in the Philippines as part of the Cope Thunder Philippines 2024 on April 17.

The joint drills were part of preparations for the 2024 Balikatan Exercise between the Philippines and the U.S. This year's simulation, said to be the biggest iteration yet involving some 16,700 soldiers, will run from April 22 to May 10, and will be carried out beyond the Philippines' 12-nautical-mile territorial zone.

Balikatan Exercises 2024 Executive Agent Colonel Michael Logico said: 'The reason why we do exercises is to demonstrate our capability, along with the Philippine Coast Guard.

'I do not discount the possibility that it also sends a message to our adversaries, to our friends, to our allies, and also like-minded partners. The message, actually, if you take it into totality is the main goal of the exercise objectives, which is to demonstrate the strength of the alliance and our willingness to defend our territory.'

Meanwhile, China warned that the move will only worsen tensions in the disputed South China Sea.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said: 'Attempts to bring in external forces to safeguard its so-called security will only lead to greater insecurity for itself.'

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.