Idrees Ali

The 'freedom-of-navigation' exercise comes just a day after China warned of war against those who attempt to separate Taiwan from the country.

However, it is unclear what the Pentagon will ultimately recommend to the White House.

It has put countering Beijing, along with Russia, at the centre of a new national defence strategy.

Defence Secretary Jim Mattis anticipates 'bumpy road' ahead in talks with Pyongyang. 

It is seen as an attempt to counter China's efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters.

This is in response to Beijing’s perceived militarisation of South China Sea islands, says Pentagon rep.

Despite growing US ties to China in a bid to quell North Korea, the US Navy still warns off China's claims in SE Asia.

It’s the largest non-nuclear device it has ever unleashed in combat.

This is likely to raise questions about whether and how the United States will respond.