North Korea Condemns US Labeling as 'Persistent Threat'

North Korea has criticized the United States for labeling it as a "persistent threat" in the U.S. strategy on countering weapons of mass destruction. The North Korean defense ministry accused the U.S. of increasing nuclear threats through joint military drills with South Korea and the deployment of a strategic nuclear submarine. North Korea vowed to counter the U.S. strategy with an overwhelming and sustained response. South Korea's defense ministry criticized North Korea's recent constitutional amendment on nuclear force, warning that any use of nuclear weapons would bring an end to the regime. The U.S. strategy also faced criticism for its descriptions of China and Russia.