World War 3: North Korea pumps up NUCLEAR rhetoric while South Korea tries diplomacy

North Korea unleashed a new series of nuclear threats against the United States and its allies as South Korean President Moon Jae-in agreed to seek a diplomatic resolution with the rogue state.

President Moon Jae-in said South Korea will continue to engage North Korea in talks in an attempt to defuse the growing tension with key international actors like China and the US.

He also welcomed NATO’s decision to support a peaceful approach, saying: “It is desperate to resolve the North Korea nuclear issue peacefully without military clashes.”

During a joint press conference with NATO’s Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, President Moon added: “As a global partner, we hope the cooperative relationship between NATO and South Korea grows deeper.

“We especially hope the military relationship grows stronger.”

Mr Stoltenberg visited the demilitarised zone (DMZ) during a visit to reaffirm the cooperation between NATO and South Korea.

He thanked the country for the role it plays in containing the North Korean threat, saying: “I saw the professionalism and the dedication of soldiers in the DMZ.

“They are doing a very important service for South Korea but actually for world peace and stability.”

North Korea warned the United States that Pyongyang was prepared to launch an atmospheric nuclear test over the Pacific Ocean, increasing fears of World War 3 declarations. 

Mr Stoltenberg said NATO is ready for an attack “from any direction.”

He added: “We have the capability and resolve to deter any attack. Historical events in this region have shaped NATO as we know it today. Our security has long been connected with yours.

“North Korea is working to advance its nuclear and missile technologies. This is a clear and present danger to the Republic of Korean and Japan, our partners in the region.

“It is also a threat to NATO allies. North Korea is developing ballistic missiles capable of hitting cities both in North America and in Europe.”

North Korea’s main nuclear testing site in Punggye-ri did however suffer a large collapse which caused the death of nearly 200 people.

The disaster is a major embarrassment for North Korea, laying bare the crumbling state of the hermit state’s testing facilities.