Australia has hit back at threats from North Korea, saying it "will not be cowed", after the other nation warned it to expect "disaster".
"We will continue to do everything we can to protect and help and support our allies," Defence Personnel Minister Dan Tehan told Australian media on Sunday.
Earlier on Sunday, North Korea threatened Australia with "disaster" if it continued to support the United States' and South Korea's action against Pyongyang.
According to a statement released via state-run media, North Korea accused Australia of "dangerous moves of zealously joining the frenzied political and military provocations of the US against the DPRK".
The statement then condemned Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop for personally supporting the US position to consider all options, including the use of force towards Pyongyang.
"Should Australia continue to follow the US in imposing military, economic and diplomatic pressure upon the DPRK despite our repeated warnings, they will not be able to avoid a disaster," the statement warned.
The statement refers to a visit to South Korea last week by Ms Bishop and Australian senator Marise Payne.
During the visit, Ms Bishop and Ms Payne met with officials and visited the city of Panmunjom, which sits in the demilitarised zone between North Korea and South Korea.
Newshub.
