North Korea’s foreign affairs ministry has claimed that upcoming plans by the U.S. to test two intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) next month and the on-going deployment of assets to the Asia Pacific region are aimed at provoking the North and disrupt ongoing inter-Korean dialogue.

The North will not ignore threats to its security, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) spokesperson said, in a statement carried by ruling party organ the Rodong Sinmun on Wednesday.

“The U.S.’s on-going deployment of its military assets is a cunning strategy aimed at provoking the North to respond in a tough way which will disrupt