Members of the United Nations Security Council vote to tighten sanctions on North Korea at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, March 7, 2013.
(Reuters) - North Korea threatened the United States on Thursday with a preemptive nuclear strike, raising the level of rhetoric as the U.N. Security Council approved new sanctions against the reclusive country.
The White House said North Korea's threats would only lead to Pyongyang's further international isolation and declared that the United States was "fully capable" of defending against any North Korean missile attack.
China's U.N. Ambassador Li Baodong said Beijing wanted to see "full implementation" of the new Security Council resolution, which tightens financial restrictions on Pyongyang and cracks down on its attempts to ship and receive banned cargo.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un speaks with senior military officials at an undisclosed location, in this still image taken from video shown by North Korea's state-run television KRT on March 8, 2013.
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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un travels with senior military officials on a boat, at an undisclosed location, in this still image taken from video shown by North Korea's state-run television KRT on March 8, 2013.
Members of North Korea's military cheer on the shore of an undisclosed location, in this still image taken from video shown by North Korea's state-run television KRT on March 8, 2013.
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Members of North Korea's military cheer on the shore of an undisclosed location.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un stands surrounded by three women and two children at an undisclosed location.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un applauds as he is welcomed by members of the military.
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North Korea Missile Ranges:
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