North Korea says it will respond to 'antagonistic' U.S. sanctions

North Korea has condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration for imposing new sanctions it described as “antagonistic,” vowing to deliver a corresponding response, state media outlet KCNA reported on Thursday.

The criticism followed the U.S. Treasury Department’s decision on Tuesday to sanction eight individuals and two entities accused of participating in North Korean cyber-linked money laundering operations, a move intended to cut off funding for Pyongyang’s weapons development programmes.

“There is nothing more foolish than expecting a new outcome while following the failed script of the past,” KCNA quoted the country’s vice foreign minister for U.S. affairs as saying.

“The United States must recognise that no matter how many sanctions it employs, the likelihood of shifting the current strategic balance between the U.S. and North Korea in its favour is less than zero,” the statement added.

KCNA further said, “As long as the current U.S. administration maintains its hostile stance towards us, we will remain patient but respond in kind.”

Earlier this week, South Korea’s intelligence agency said there was a strong possibility of a U.S.–North Korea summit taking place early next year.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his willingness to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, most recently during his trip to Asia last month, when he said the door remained open to future talks.

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