N KOREA STATE MEDIA WARNS OF NUKE STRIKE ON US IF PROVOKED

North Korean state media warned on Tuesday of a nuclear attack on the US at any sign of American aggression as a US Navy strike group steamed toward the western Pacific.

President Donald Trump, who has urged China to do more to rein in its impoverished neighbour, said in a tweet that North Korea was “looking for trouble” and the US would “solve the problem” with or without China.

Tension has escalated sharply on the Korean peninsula, with talk of military action by the US gaining traction following its strikes last week against Syria and amid concerns the reclusive North may soon conduct a sixth nuclear test. Official Rodong Sinmun newspaper said North Korea’s was prepared to respond to any aggression by the US.

“Our revolutionary strong army is keenly watching every move by enemy elements with our nuclear sight focused on the US invasionary bases not only in South Korea and the Pacific operation theatre but also in the US mainland,” it said.

South Korea’s acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn warned of “greater provocations” by North Korea and ordered the military to intensify monitoring and to ensure close communication with the US. “It is possible the North may wage greater provocations such as a nuclear test timed with various anniversaries including the Supreme People’s Assembly,” said Hwang, acting leader since former president Park Geun-hye was removed amid a graft scandal.

Trump said in a Tweet that a trade deal between China and the United States would be “far better for them if they solved the North Korea problem”. REUTERS