North Korea warns of new missile launches

North Korea said today it would continue to launch missiles and warned of "stronger" steps if other nations tried to put on pressure on Pyongyang.

"Our armed forces will continue with missile launching exercises as part of efforts to build up our self-defence deterrence, as was the recent case," the North's foreign ministry said in a statement monitored by Yonhap news agency.

"If anyone takes this up with us or applies pressure on us, we would have to retaliate with stronger physical actions," it warned.

Pyongyang yesterday fired seven missiles, including a long-range Taepodong-2 which crashed into the Sea of Japan (East Sea) in less than a minute, according to US officials.