North Korea vows to increase nuclear power to maximum

North Korea said today it will continue testing weapons and boost its nuclear force "to the maximum level" to counter the United States.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Photo: Reuters

"Now, the US is stepping up sanctions and pressure against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK),North Korea will accelerate measures to increase nuclear deterrence",Reuters quoted a North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman as saying on state news agency KCNA.

""The measures to strengthen the DPRK's nuclear capability to the maximum will be carried out continuously at any time and at any location decided by the supreme leadership," the official warned.

A North Korean missile launch:

Tensions on the Korean peninsula show no signs of abating. North Korea conducted a failed missile test last weekend. Washington has sent an aircraft carrier to the Korean peninsula to demonstrate its power and deter Pyongyang. North Korea has conducted five nuclear tests and there are signs that it may conduct a sixth nuclear test on a major holiday.

Although US officials say they are currently only planning to increase diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea, Mr. Trump in an interview published yesterday left open the possibility of a military strike on Pyongyang. However, analysts say such a move is unlikely because of the serious consequences.

North Korea's 5 nuclear tests. Graphic: NYTimes (Click on the image to see details)

According to VNE