North Korea touted its nuclear weapons and advanced missiles on Tuesday, and claimed they are the only one standing up to the US by ‘shaking the world’ with missile tests.

‘In today’s world where many countries waste time dealing with the United States with submission and blind obedience, there’s only our country on this planet that can shake the world by firing a missile with the US mainland in its range,’ a statement released by the Foreign Ministry said.

North Korea has stirred up some international tension this year over a series of ballistic missile tests, which have long been banned by the United Nations (UN) Security Council.

The series of tests that have taken place since the New Year represented ‘remarkable achievements’ that strengthened North Korea’s ‘war deterrence,’ the statement said.

It also cited the Hwasong-15, the longest-range intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) ever launched by North Korea, which has not been launched since its first test in 2017.

The missile is believed to have the range to deliver a nuclear warhead anywhere in the US.

In January alone North Korea hit a record number of such tests, with at least seven launches, which included a new type of ‘hypersonic missile’ able to maneuver at high speed.

‘There are more than 200 countries in the world, but only a few have hydrogen bombs, intercontinental ballistic missiles, and hypersonic missiles,’ the Foreign Ministry said.

A State Department spokesperson told Reuters that the US has no malicious intent toward North Korea, and officials are urging the country to contribute to a conversation with the US.

‘The United States has a vital interest in deterring (North Korea), defending against its provocations or uses of force, limiting the reach of its most dangerous weapons programs, and above all keeping the American people, our deployed forces, and our allies safe,’ the spokesperson said.

This week the US called on North Korea to defund its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and instead prioritize the needs of its own people.

Over the years the UN Security Council has banned North Korean exports including coal, iron, lead, textiles and seafood, and capped imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products. Following January’s increase in missile launches, the US sought out adding additional sanctions to the country, but was ultimately blocked by China and Russia.

The US has also recently threatened sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has moved 100,000 troops near the border of Ukraine but denies any plans to launch an invasion.

If Russia were to invade Ukraine, the US says the measures taken in response would be the most punishing Russia has ever faced.

After threatening nuclear war if Ukraine were to join NATO, Putin moved Russian soldiers and military vehicles to Crimea – land Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

During a recent press conference, the Kremlin said: ‘I want to stress it one more time. I’ve been saying it, but I’d very much want you to finally hear me, and to deliver it to your audience in print, TV and online.’

‘Do you understand it or not, that if Ukraine joins NATO and attempts to bring Crimea back by military means, the European countries will automatically be pulled into a war conflict with Russia?’

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