“尼米兹”号打击群在南海与日菲联合演习

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Navy's Nimitz Carrier Strike Group conducted a significant multi-national naval exercise in the South China Sea with the Philippine Navy and Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force, showcasing military presence and commitment to regional security [1][3][5]. Group 1: Exercise Details - The exercise involved a total of 9 vessels, including the U.S. Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier CVN-68 Nimitz and several destroyers, as well as ships from the Philippine Navy and Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force [3][5]. - Activities during the two-day exercise included maritime situational awareness and anti-submarine warfare, aimed at enhancing deterrence and interoperability among allied nations [5]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - The exercise is part of a broader U.S. strategy to reinforce military cooperation with Southeast Asian countries and counter China's assertive actions in the region, as indicated by U.S. Defense Secretary's commitments during ASEAN defense meetings [5]. - This marks the second joint exercise between the U.S. Navy and the Philippine military this year, following a previous exercise conducted by the CVN-70 Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group in January [5]. Group 3: Nimitz Carrier's Deployment - The Nimitz, the oldest active aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy, is currently on its final deployment before retirement, having been active in the Indo-Pacific region since March 21, 2023 [6]. - As of October 17, 2023, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group has been operating in the South China Sea for over a month, with a total deployment duration exceeding 243 days [6].