Ahead of a Hague ruling in a dispute between the Philippines and China over the South China Sea, a Hainan town's residents insist history is on their side. China says it will ignore any ruling.
Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced Thursday the two nations have patrolled the disputed waters. He also said more U.S. forces will be rotated through the Philippines.
China and several regional neighbors are locked in a growing dispute over the status of islands throughout the South China Sea. Here's a guide to what's at stake.
China's aggressive moves in the South China Sea have angered neighbors and the U.S. Some Chinese back their government on this nationalistic issue, but their answers are surprisingly mixed.
A guided missile destroyer sailed within 12 nautical miles of Triton Island on Saturday. It was a challenge to maritime restrictions by China, Taiwan and Vietnam, which all lay claim to the island.
A Defense Department official confirmed that the Navy operation to patrol near the Spratly islands is underway. China has claimed control but the U.S. says the area is in international waters.