The U.S nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz makes a port call on Saturday for joint naval drills with South Korea.
The 97,000 ton carrier - one of the world's largest warships - is at the southern harbour city of Busan.
The ship's strike group includes guided-missile cruisers and destroyers as well as fighter jets and anti-submarine helicopter squadrons.
Rear Admiral Michael White said the drills - which have been denounced by North Korea - were part of routine exercises.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. COMMANDER OF THE NIMITZ STRIKE GROUP, REAR ADMIRAL MICHAEL S.WHITE SAYING:
"I cannot speculate on the North Korean response, but would emphasize that we exercise routinely with South Korea and our presence in the Asian area facilitated this particular time so we continue to hope it shows our alliance to promote the peace and prosperity in the region."
The arrival of the ship also drew some protests from Busan residents with more than 30 gathering t
