On July 16, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) published a commentary stating that Pyongyang would not discuss issues related to its missile and nuclear programs due to the hostile policies of the United States. KCNA issued this statement in response to comments by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, which North Korea considered provocative.

Image of North Korea's recent missile launch. Source: Reuters

Tillerson had previously called on the international community to increase pressure on North Korea after Pyongyang successfully test-fired an ICBM earlier this month.

KCNA stated that the U.S. needs to understand that there can be no dialogue on North Korea abandoning its nuclear weapons until Washington ends its hostile policy toward Pyongyang.

North Korea also warned that it was time for the U.S. to abandon its hostile policy, reconsider its strategy toward Pyongyang, and quickly end its nuclear threats, otherwise it would strengthen its military deterrence capabilities to ensure security on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.

In a commentary, also published in Rodong Sinmun, the mouthpiece of the Workers' Party of North Korea, Pyongyang emphasized that the US administration should "show wisdom, taking into account North Korea's strategic position, which is already at an unprecedented level."

On July 4th, North Korea officially announced the successful test launch of an ICBM under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un, while also warning that this type of missile can strike any target in the world.

This was North Korea's tenth missile launch this year and the first time Pyongyang has conducted an ICBM test.

The incident has prompted concern from countries in the region, particularly the international community, especially the United States.

Last week, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told the UN Security Council that Washington was ready to use its full potential to defend itself and its allies against the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

Ambassador Haley also did not rule out the possibility that the United States would use military force if necessary.

According to Vietnamplus