North Korea warns of 'big bag of gifts' following U.S. exercises

June 2 (UPI) -- North Korea warned it would deliver a "big bag of gifts" to the United States following reports of joint exercises in the Sea of Japan.

Pyongyang's Korean Asia-Pacific Peace Committee said in a statement on Friday the United States "does not see reality properly, and if it continues to pursue military confrontation without success, we will hand them a big 'bag of gifts'."

"The United States is pushing the nuclear-powered Carl Vinson and Ronald Reagan carriers into the East Sea, and clinging to its aim of increasing its attack power by modernizing its strategic nuclear assets," North Korea stated.

The committee also said in the Workers' Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun the "United States will become more and more troubled every time they hear news of the expensive victory we have attained on the path of our self-reliant nuclear strengthening."

North Korea claimed the United States will not change its ambition to "win military dominance over the Asia-Pacific region."

Pyongyang recently used a U.S. test of a missile interceptor to justify the regime's missile development.

Workers' Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun had stated Wednesday the state's "highest leadership," Kim Jong Un, can order the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile at any time and place in response to what it claims are U.S. threats.

Tensions are rising on the peninsula as the United States is increasing pressure on Pyongyang.

On Thursday, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed more sanctions on North Korea's military, coal companies and financial firms.

Sanctions ban business activities between U.S. citizens and the blacklisted individuals and entities.

Russian company Ardis-Bearings LLC, suspected of securing supplies for North Korea's nuclear program, was included in the sanctions, according to the Los Angeles Times.