North Korea has warned the South that it will retaliate with “physical counter-measures” if Seoul took part in sanctions by the UN.
In a statement, released a day after it announced a third nuclear test, North Korea said sanctions would mean war.
"If the puppet group of traitors takes a direct part in the UN 'sanctions', the DPRK (North Korea) will take strong physical counter-measures against it," it said.
"'Sanctions' mean a war and a declaration of war against us."
A UN resolution was passed on Tuesday, which expanded existing sanctions on the reclusive state.
The US condemned North Korea’s plans for another nuclear test.
"Further provocations would only increase Pyongyang's isolation, and its continued focus on its nuclear and missile programme is doing nothing to help the North Korean people," White House spokesman Jay Carney told media.
