The United States and Philippine fighter jets trained together amid regional tensions.

Both nations' air forces took to the skies for five days, starting on December 9, in a show of strength and coordination during a Dynamic Force Employment (DFE) exercise at Clark Air Base in Pampanga, the Philippines.

The activity featured take-offs, landings, and aerial manoeuvres.

Authorities said the exercise aimed to enhance air, space, and cyberspace capabilities, ensuring seamless cooperation across multiple domains.

Dynamic Force Employment drills reinforce readiness and interoperability between the allied forces, underscoring their commitment to regional security and operational effectiveness.

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.