The US denounced North Korea for its "long history of bellicose rhetoric" after the totalitarian state said a state of war exists with neighbouring South Korea, and threatened to close a joint industrial zone.
"We take these threats seriously and remain in close contact with our South Korean allies," White House spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said in an emailed statement. "But we would also note that North Korea has a long history of bellicose rhetoric and threats" and the latest statement "follows that familiar pattern".
North Korea had threatened on Saturday to shut a jointly run industrial zone in its border city of Gaeseong in response to flights over the south by US stealth bombers. But on Sunday, the complex was running as usual, South Korean authorities said.
Tensions have risen since North Korea detonated a nuclear device in February, defying global sanctions.
Nukes are 'life'
A top North Korean decision-making body said that nuclear weapons are "the nation's life" and will not be traded even for "billions of dollars". The comments came in a statement released after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un presided over the plenary meeting of the central committee of the ruling Workers' Party.
AP/PTI
