State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert (Photo: washingtonexaminer.com)

The same day, a spokesperson of North Korea’s Asia-Pacific Peace Committee criticized US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order for expanding North Korea sanctions after its latest missile test. The official called on Washington to stop its hostile policy towards North Korea, warning that Pyongyang will have strong countermeasures against the US.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said earlier Saturday that Washington is willing to open direct channels with North Korea if Pyongyang is interested in or ready for talks about denuclearization.