Meanwhile, North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-ryol warned that Pyongyang is ready to launch a pre-emptive strike against the United States should it show any sign of carrying out "reckless" military aggression against the North. The official said plans could change in the unlikely event a North Korean missile targets South Korea, Japan or USA territory.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday that there will be no victor in an armed conflict between the United States and the North.
Pyongyang, meanwhile, recently launched a ballistic missile and some experts have said it could conduct another nuclear test at virtually any time.
Senior US intelligence officials said the US military was ready to attack North Korea with conventional weapons if the country reached for a nuclear trigger.
In an interview with Chinese state tabloid Global Times, North Korea's director of the foreign ministry's Asia department said there are no "empty words" when Pyongyang vows to strike back.
Donald Trump could start a nuclear war if North Korea pushes through with its nuclear weapons test on Saturday.
The North said the USA would make the "worst misjudgment" if they treat Pyongyang like Libya, Iraq which are the "victims of the US invasion and suffering a miserable destiny".
"We've got a powerful nuclear deterrent already in our hands, and we certainly will not keep our arms crossed in the face of a United States pre-emptive strike".
"Therefore, we call upon all the parties, no matter verbally or in action, to stop provoking and threatening each other and not to allow the situation to become irretrievable and out of control", Wang said.
Since its first test in 2006, the North has conducted five nuclear tests through September 2016.
Afghan officials: 36 Islamic State fighters killed by US bomb
The United Nations has raised concerns that the American air campaign is swelling civilian casualties in Afghanistan. Officials tell NBC that destroyers, heavy bombers and an aircraft carrier have been positioned to strike.
"We're going to consult with the Republic of Korea on North Korea's efforts to advance its ballistic missile and its nuclear program", a White House foreign policy adviser told reporters.
China has repeatedly warned the U.S. not to risk military intervention to quell the North's nuclear ambitions and is calling for talks to settle the crisis.
"As long as dialogue takes place, it can be official or unofficial, through one channel or dual channels, bilateral or multilateral".
Han Song Ryol said to the Associated Press he blames Trump for "making trouble" through "aggressive" tweets and added that North Korea will continue with their nuclear test when the supreme headquarters sees fit.
China today warned its ally North Korea against carrying out a nuclear test, saying such a "dangerous and irresponsible" move could lead to a breakout of conflict at any moment amid soaring tensions with the US.
"Trump's attacks on Syria and Afghanistan will be a menacing threat to Kim", said Koh Yoo-hwan, North Korea studies professor of Dongguk University. "So that's why. It's not the DPRK but the USA and Trump that makes trouble".
The Chinese minister also said there would be "no winner" in a potential war, and that the party that triggered conflict would "pay the price".
The Institute for Science and International Security cited a worrying increase in North Korea's nuclear program, but said the arsenal may only have been as large as 13 atomic weapons at the end of 2016.
Another big military holiday comes on April 25, when its army marks its anniversary.
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