Photos released on Tuesday show United States F-35B stealth fighter jets operating from a Japanese aircraft carrier during an exercise in the western Pacific last month, as the two allies strengthen their joint capabilities amid China's growing military threat.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Why It Matters

The U.S. military maintains a strong presence in the western Pacific to deter China by operating from allied territories, including F-35B aircraft deployment in Japan . The jets are capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings from ships without full-length flight decks, such as JS Kaga , a Japanese aircraft carrier converted from a helicopter carrier.

The conversion of the Kaga is part of Japan's effort to bolster th

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