It is very clear that the south Korean authorities' provocations are being committed at the connivance and under the patronage of the U.S. ruling quarters, the statement said.

The U.S. feels extreme uneasiness at the defensive capabilities and sovereignty of the DPRK growing stronger day by day, it noted.

The hostile forces' provocations will bring grave consequences to the peace and security not only on the Korean Peninsula but in Asia-Pacific, it said, adding:

We fully support the just steps of the DPRK to cope with the provocations and strongly demand the south Korean authorities stop the reckless provocations at once.

The people in Northeast Asian countries will ensure regional peace and strengthen friendship and cooperation among them.