U.S., South Korea reject North Korea's nuclear proposal

SEOUL, April 25 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama spurned a North Korean proposition to end nuclear tests.

Foreign Minister Ri Su Yong had requested the United States halt joint military exercises in South Korea over the weekend, the BBC reported.

In exchange, the North would cease all nuclear tests, Ri had said.

On Sunday, Obama told reporters Pyongyang would "have to do better than that," stressing the need for the North to use more appropriate lines of communication other than interviews with the media.

North Korea has escalated tensions since sweeping sanctions were adopted at the United Nations Security Council.

China's support of the sanctions at the Security Council was instrumental, but the "level of cooperation" from Beijing is not yet at the desired level, Obama said.

But the president did credit the partnership between the United States and China for building pressure against Pyongyang to give up nuclear weapons, Yonhap reported.

In Seoul, senior government officials dismissed the North's proposal as "absurd," South Korean news network YTN reported.

Unification Ministry spokesman Jeong Joon-hee said it's ridiculous for Pyongyang to propose a deal where it is willing to give up an internationally "illegal" act of nuclear testing in exchange for an annual joint drill.

South Korea's military is on standby for a possible fifth nuclear test, which could take place to commemorate the North's Military Foundation Day.

Activities at North Korea's Punggye-ri nuclear site are showing Pyongyang is getting ready for its fifth nuclear test, but YTN reported ongoing activities that show preparation are ongoing.

Outgoing U.S. commander of armed forces in South Korea Curtis Scaparrotti said threats from the North mean the U.S.-South Korea alliance must be further strengthened, local television network KBS reported.

Scaparrotti said North Korea has been evolving since he first assumed his position in October 2013.