As an American navy strike group steamed toward the western Pacific Ocean, the North Korean state media on Tuesday warned of a nuclear attack on the United States of America at any sight of aggression.

In a statement provided by North Korean, Pyongyang said the ‘’current grim situation’’ justified its ‘’self-defensive and pre-emptive strike capabilities with the nuclear force at the core. The statement said, ‘’we will make the US fully accountable for the catastrophic consequences that may be brought about by its high-handed and outrageous acts’’

A series of American and South Korean military exercises have increased tension in North Korea following strikes last week against Syria by the United States

In a tweet on Tuesday, the US President Donald J. Trump urged China, North Korea’s Asian neighbors to ‘’solve the problem’’ and said that North Korea was ‘’looking for trouble’’. He also added that with or without the help of China, the United States would ‘’solve the problem.’’

In another message, President Trump said he told Xi Jinping, the President of China during a visit to Florida last week that if China helped reign in North Korea’s missile program, the country would get a better trade dealwith the United States of America.

The United States had before now, wanted China to intervene with more force on North Korea to give up its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. It seems however that Chinese officials are afraid of causing an economic collapse in North Korea that could potentially send thousands of refugees into China.

There are reports that North Korea may be preparing to conduct its sixth nuclear test on Saturday, a day that coincides with the birthday of its founder, Kim Il-sung

Both South Korea and Japan have pledged strong support for the US.

By Diamond and Silk ~Published