Pyongyang issues warning over nuclear talks with US

US navy vessels are set to take part in drills with South Korea (JASON WAITE/AFP)

North Korea says denuclearisation talks will be at risk if military exercises between the United States and South Korea go ahead.

As part of efforts to kick-start talks aimed at getting Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons programme, Washington had promised that they wouldn't hold drills with regional allies.

However, a spokesperson for the North Korean foreign ministry say they believe that the exercises, which he described as a "rehearsal for war", will go ahead in August.

The official added that Pyongyang will monitor US actions before making a decision regarding the talks.

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