North Korea has said it would continue to strengthen its nuclear programme in order to protect itself against the hostile policies of the US.

In a statement after conducting its fourth nuclear test, North Korea's state news agency said it will not give up its nuclear programme as long as the US maintained what it called "its stance of aggression".

North Korea also said it will act as a responsible nuclear state and vowed not to use its nuclear weapons unless its sovereignty was infringed.

It also said it will not transfer its nuclear capabilities to other parties.