North Korea threatens to carry out 'new form' of nuke test

North Korea has vowed to carry out a 'new form' of nuclear test.

The move comes a year after its third nuclear test raised military tensions on the divided Korean Peninsula and prompted the United Nations to tighten sanctions against it.

The North's Foreign Ministry did not clarify what it meant by a 'new form' of test.

However, Washington and its allies have long suspected the North of trying to make small and sophisticated nuclear devices, the New York Times reports.

According to the report, responding to the North's announcement, Cho Tai-young, the spokesman for the South Korean Foreign Ministry, said in a statement that 'North Korea would have to pay the price if it ignores the stern demand from the neighboring countries and the international community and carries out a nuclear test.

The North has claimed to have developed "diversified" and "miniaturized" nuclear devices.