China’s new state-of-the-art aircraft carrier has entered service as Beijing seeks to rival the US for naval supremacy.

The presence of the Nimitz in the South China Sea comes amid tensions between China and the Philippines, an American ally, over Scarborough shoal. There coral reefs enclose a large lagoon about 135 nautical miles (250km) west of Manila Bay,

The chief of the Philippine military said the goal was to hold the line for "at least 20 days" in a wartime scenario.

Philippine forces will hold anti-invasion drills across Northern Luzon and the South China Sea this month to test the country’s ability to defend against threats amid tensions with China. The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ annual joint exercise “Dagit,

Navy helicopter and fighter jet from USS Nimitz crash in South China Sea during routine operations. All five crew members successfully rescued and stable.

New satellite imagery has captured the USS Nimitz strike carrier group operating in the South China Sea amid rising tensions with China. The South China Sea is a critical maritime corridor, with an estimated one-fifth of global trade passing through its waters each year.

Both sides will seek joint projects to fortify supply chains, in a move analysts say could counter China’s grip on rare earths.

According to the U.S. Pacific Fleet, an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter that was assigned to the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73 "Battle Cats" crashed around 2:45 p.m. local time while "conducting routine operations." All three crew members were rescued, the Pacific Fleet said in an X post.

The Chinese military said it deployed naval vessels to protect international sea lanes and maintain regional peace and stability.

Chinese state media reports new aircraft carrier has been commissioned as Beijing seeks to extend power far overseas