A U.S. aircraft carrier has sailed through the South China Sea on its way to Manila, in the Philippines, amid escalating tensions with China over Beijing’s military development in the disputed maritime region.

Navy fighter jets, carrying a group of Philippine generals, journalists and officials, flew onto the nuclear-powered USS Theodore Roosevelt in a display of military might as it was conducting routine training on Tuesday, reported The Associated Press.

“It’s a showcase of the capability of the U.S. armed forces not only by sea but also by air,” said Lieutenant General Rolando Bautista of the Philippine army. “The Americans are our friends. In one way or another, they can help us to deter any threat.”