The head of the US military's Pacific Command said on Tuesday that it was more important to use diplomacy against North Korea's growing threat rather than consider what actions by Pyongyang might trigger a preemptive strike against the reclusive North, Reuters has reported.

Admiral Harry Harris also told reporters that a scheduled "operational pause" by the US Navy's fleet worldwide would not affect the military's ability to defend South Korea.

The pause was ordered after a US guided missile destroyer collided with an oil tanker in waters near Singapore and Malaysia on Monday, added Reuters.