Within the next 24 hours, the U.S. Navy will execute a freedom of navigation mission in the South China Sea Air cover and reconnaissance aircraft will be monitoring the mission nearby in international airspace and waiting to give assistance if need be.

The Navy has been ready to make the mission happen for some time, the final step being getting an approval from the Obama Administration, which has now happened. There was some indicators that Washington may be reconsidering moving forward with the mission . Now it appears that this could not outweigh the need to make a precedent to China when it comes to their territorial ambitions in the South China Sea.

A trio of Chinese Navy vessels that are making an around-the-world trip will be visiting Mayport,…

, are not recognized by the U.S. and neighboring claimants on different areas of the South China Sea. These include the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and Brunei. Even if they did recognize these new islands as legitimate territory, sailing within 12 miles of a country’s shores is fair under the rule of safe passage. China exercised this rule on the U.S. .

China isn't just expanding its military reach into the South China Sea, it's rapidly building…

, nonetheless having a U.S. Navy ship sail within their 12 mile boundary. China has also . With this in mind, it is unknown how China will react to this territorial challenge by the U.S. Navy.

A U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft flying near China’s man-made islands in the South

The South China Sea is not only one of the world’s key trade routes, but it is also a prime fishing area and is thought to be rich in untapped energy resources. If China were to arm its islands with missiles, ships and aircraft, it could shut down access to nearly the entire region on a whim.

We will keep you updated as the story unfolds.

Contact the author [email protected]