Manila, Feb. 11 -- The series of air drills conducted by Filipino and American military aircraft over the Luzon airspace last week is not a reaction to the ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan.

"No. It's purely (a joint) exercise," Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco said when asked by reporters if these exercises have something to do with the ongoing row between the two nations.

She also said that the Feb. 2 to 6 air exercises between the PAF and U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) were "pre-approved and under the MDB-SEB (Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board)" of the two countries.

"It is scheduled and it is conducted with our partners so that we can exercise operational readiness and inter...