The U.S. Navy's presence is vital for stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region, a naval commander said Wednesday as his carrier strike force made a port call in Hong Kong, two months after another U.S. warship was denied access.

"The abundant growth and prosperity that surrounds us in Hong Kong is what the U.S. 7th Fleet seeks to preserve for all nations in this important region," Rear Adm. Karl Thomas said in a statement.

The aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan and two guided-missile cruisers, the Chancellorsville and the Curtis D. Wilbur, will stay in Hong Kong waters for several days, while its sailors interact with local citizens through sporting competitions, community relations projects, and tours.

During a media tour of the carrier, Thomas told reporters that the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier had just held a military drill with another one, the John C. Stennis, in international waters of the Philippine Sea to "demonstrate the U.S. Navy's enduring ability to fly, sail and operate anywhere that international law allows."

He said the dual carrier strike force exercise reflects the "dedication that we have to this region in ensuring that we promote stability and keep it free."

In September, China denied permission for the amphibious assault ship Wasp to make a port visit in Hong Kong the following month, in apparent retaliation for U.S. sanctions imposed over the purchase of advanced weapons from Russia.

Thomas declined to comment on that matter or on the ongoing trade war between China and the United States.

But he said he is familiar with the incident of a close encounter between a U.S. destroyer and a Chinese warship near the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea on Sept. 30.

"That was a rare, unusual occurrence. In that particular case, the (Chinese) ship made some continually aggressive maneuvers and our ship warned them and had to maneuver to prevent a collision. It was unfortunate, I'd like to see that not happen again," he said.

During his stay, Thomas will meet again with Chinese army's Hong Kong garrison commander, Lt. Gen. Tan Benhong, who was invited to a tour of the carrier Tuesday, to interact with the sailors and observe its flight operations.

"I think he gained a healthy respect for the capability of this ship," Thomas said.

The Ronald Reagan last visited Hong Kong in October 2017.