In May, the docking of the USS Carl Vinson in the same port was described by the AFP as "sending a message to China." Joint exercises have also been conducted in Palawan and in the seas near the Spratly Islands as part of the annual Balikatan exercises.
Nitong Mayo, dumaong din sa Maynila ang USS Carl Vinson na inilarawan ng AFP na "may dalang mensahe para sa China." Samantala, magkakasunod din na "joint exercises" ang idinaos sa Palawwan at sa karagatan malapit sa Spratlys sa ilalim ng taunang Balikatan exercises.