North Korea is urging the U.S. to come back to the negotiating table before the end of the year.
Kim Yong-chol, a senior North Korean official, warned there could be an "exchange of fire" if the U.S.-North Korea situation deteriorates. He said the lack of progress is testing the North's patience and it would be a mistake to ignore the end-of-year deadline set by Kim Jong-un.
In a statement published on the state-run Korean Central News Agency, Kim Yong-chol admitted denuclearization talks haven't progressed. He also accused the U.S. of exploiting the relationship between President Trump and Kim Jong-un.
The two sides met in Sweden in early October to restart negotiations. The countries gave conflicting accounts of the meeting, with the U.S denying North Korea's accusation of carrying an "old viewpoint and attitude."
The U.S has pushed North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons. But the regime wants sanctions lifted before it does so. Given the stalemate, North Korea has remained defiant by conducting missile tests throughout the year.
