This picture taken on Oct 19, 2021 and released from the DPRK's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Oct 20, 2021 shows the test-fire of a new type submarine-launched ballistic missile in an undisclosed location in the DPRK.
(STR / AFP / KCNA VIA KNS)
SEOUL – The Democratic People's Republic of Korea said on Thursday the United States was overreacting to its recent missile test and questioned the sincerity of Washington's offers of talks, warning of consequences.
This week's test of a new ballistic missile from a submarine was part of the DPRK's mid- and long-term plan to bolster self defence and was and not aimed at the United States or any other country, a spokesperson for Pyongyang's foreign ministry said, according to the official KCNA news agency.
A DPRK foreign ministry spokesperson said the United States' "double standards" over missile development cast doubt over its overtures
Washington had taken "overly provocative moves" by calling the test a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and a threat to regional peace and stability, the spokesperson said.
The Security Council met on Wednesday over the launch at the request of the United States and Britain, and the US envoy urged Pyongyang to accept offers of talks, reiterating that Washington has no hostile intent toward it.
READ MORE: US says prepared to engage with DPRK after missile test
The foreign ministry spokesperson said the United States' "double standards" over missile development cast doubt over its overtures.
"It is a clear double standard that the United States denounces us for developing and testing the same weapons system it already has or was developing, and that only adds suspicions to their sincerity after saying they have no hostility towards us," the spokesperson said in a statement carried by KCNA.
The United States and the council could face "more grave and serious consequences" if they opted for wrong behaviour, the spokesperson said, warning against "fiddling with a time bomb."