Tillerson in South Korea in search of 'new approach' on North Korea

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (L) talks to acting South Korean President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn (R) prior their meeting at the government complex in Seoul, South Korea, March 17, 2017. REUTERS/Jeon Heon-Kyun/Pool

SEOUL (Reuters) - A U.S. policy of strategic patience with North Korea's nuclear and missile programs has ended, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in South Korea on Friday, warning that military action would be "on the table" if Pyongyang elevated the threat level.

On his first Asian visit as secretary of state, Tillerson will travel to China on Saturday with a main focus on finding a "new approach" on North Korea after what he described as two decades of failed efforts to denuclearize the insular nation.