“(We) will not rule out a new form of a nuclear test aimed at strengthening our nuclear deterrence,” North Korea's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on the official KCNA news agency.

The North Korean Foreign Ministry added that the test would be in line with the missile and rocket launches carried out over the past few weeks.

Pyongyang also rejected criticism by the UN Security Council of its tests, which it says are self-defense drills in protest against ongoing joint military drills between South Korea and the United States on the troubled Korean Peninsula.

“It is highly unacceptable that the UNSC condemns our self-defensive rocket tests...while turning a blind eye to the nuclear war practice by the US that triggered our act,” the ministry added.

It further warned that the United States should expect a harsh response if Washington again takes issue with Pyongyang by calling its missile tests provocative moves.

North Korea has threatened to conduct a new nuclear test, but South Korea said last week that there is still no sign of an imminent atomic test from the North.

RA/MB