North Korea has issued a warning to the US and South Korea regarding their joint military exercises, considering them provocative. In a statement released by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korea reminded Washington and Seoul that they are dealing with a nuclear power and that their military exercises will not go unanswered.

"The US and its satellites must remember that the state they are dealing with has real nuclear strike capabilities, and our people and the army do not know empty words," the statement read.

North Korea also criticized the joint military exercise held by the US and South Korea in March, as well as the planned exercise involving Japan. The three countries are expected to hold a joint military exercise next week, with the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier taking part in the Sea of Japan.

This warning comes amid increased North Korean missile launches, and tensions have risen in the region. The statement did not clarify what actions North Korea might take if the exercises go ahead.