The North Korean military has described charges that it torpedoed a South Korean warship as a fabrication, and threatened war in response to the smallest military provocation.
A multi-national inquiry has concluded that North Korea sank the vessel in March, with the loss of 46 sailors' lives.
North Korea's National Defence Commission has described the South Korean president and his ministers as "puppet gangsters" and traitors.
It says it plans to send its own team to the south to examine evidence that was produced.
China has urged restraint without criticising the north, while the United States administration says the sinking was an act of aggression that challenged peace.
The US says its talks with South Korea and the United Nations Security Council will help it decide what action to take.
