North Korea Leader Kim Jong-un has ordered the military to boost its strike capability as he directed another missile firing, state media said on Friday, as tensions grew over tests that appeared to show development of a new advanced missile system.
Mr. Kim's call for a ''full combat posture'' follows the U.S. seizure of a large North Korean cargo ship accused of illicit coal shipments.
The increased tensions come amid a gridlock in dialogue after the second summit between Mr. Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump collapsed over U.S. demands for Pyongyang's nuclear disarmament and Mr. Kim's demands from relief from sanctions.
''(Kim) stressed the need to further increase the capability of defence units in the forefront area and the western front to carry out combat tasks and keep full combat posture to cope with any emergency,'' KCNA news agency reported. He reported genuine peace and security of the country are guaranteed only by the strong physical force capable of defending its sovereignty,'' it said, adding he ''set forth important task for further increasing the strike ability.''
Both Mr. Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in said that Thursday's missile was not helpful but suggested they would not scupper dialogue.
''I know they want to negotiate' they are talking about negotiating. But I don't they're ready to negotiate,'' Mr. Trump said. ''Nobody's happy about it [the missile tests] but we're taking s good look and we'll see.
Mr. Moon said the tests were likely a reaction to the failed summit with Mr. Trump, but he thought North Korea remained hopeful of continuing talks.
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