U.S. Aircraft Carrier Makes Philippines Port Call

This photo shows a general view of US aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) shortly after berthing at Manila Bay in Manila on July 3, 2025. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)

The nuclear-powered U.S. carrier George Washington arrived off the Philippine capital Thursday for a port visit, as the two allies increase defense cooperation aimed at contesting China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea.

The Nimitz-class vessel’s port call came the same day that China’s first domestically produced aircraft carrier, the Shandong, sailed into Hong Kong.

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