North Korea calls itself a 'responsible' nuclear power

North Korea has said it will not change its nuclear policy next year, calling itself a "responsible" nuclear power.

North Korea's Hwasong-15 missile leaves the launch pad. Photo: KCNA.

"The DPRK, a new strategic state and a nuclear power following the Juche ideology, declares: Do not expect any change in our policy. The existence of the DPRK as an invincible power cannot be undermined or eliminated," Yonhap quoted the statement of the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) today.

According to KCNA, the US's "stubborn" moves against North Korea in politics, economy, military, diplomacy and other fields until the end of 2017 could not stop Pyongyang's progress and confidence in victory.

After listing missile tests over the past year, KCNA said North Korea, as a "responsible" nuclear weapons state, would lead the trend of history, "surviving all storms to the only path of independence and righteousness."

The KCNA statement came as the UN Security Council imposed new sanctions on North Korea last week in response to its recent intercontinental ballistic missile test. Pyongyang called the sanctions an act of war and tantamount to a total economic blockade.

Although US diplomats say they are pursuing a diplomatic solution, President Donald Trump has said Pyongyang must commit to giving up its nuclear weapons before any dialogue can begin.

According to VNE