U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter says the U.S. will shift more military muscle to the Pacific to maintain a power balance in the region where China is moving to increase its military clout.

Carter made the remarks in an industry conference hosted by Swiss bank Credit Suisse and consulting firm McAleese and Associates.

He said 52 percent of U.S. naval vessels are in the Pacific, and the figure will rise to 60 percent in coming years.

Carter added that the number of U.S. aircraft carriers in the region will increase by one to a total of six.

The U.S. deputy defense secretary also said the U.S. Army and Marine Corps are working on stepped-up rotations so U.S. forces will be seen more frequently in the Asia-Pacific region.