North Korea threatened South Korea with "final destruction" at a United Nations conference in Geneva Tuesday, drawing swift criticism from the international community.
The reclusive state flexed its nuclear muscles, saying it could take further steps after last week's nuclear test.
"As the saying goes, a new-born puppy knows no fear of a tiger. South Korea's erratic behavior would only herald its final destruction," North Korean diplomat Jon Yong Ryong told the meeting, a disarmament conference, Reuters reported.
British Ambassador Joanne Adamson said North Korea's language was "completely inappropriate," according to the article, which also noted criticism of North Korea's remarks from South Korea, France and Germany.
"It cannot be allowed that we have expressions which refer to the possible destruction of U.N. member states," Adamson said.
Spanish Ambassador Javier Gil Catalina said the comment was in breach of international law.
"In the 30 years of my career I've never heard anything like it and it seems to me that we are not speaking about something that is even admissible, we are speaking about a threat of the use of force that is prohibited by Article 2.4 of the United Nations charter," Catalina said.
Jon said that last week's nuclear test was the primary step and that his state used "maximum restraint" but warned that if further provoked the nation will take a more aggressive posture, Reuters reported.
Jon said last week's test was an act of self-defense against nuclear blackmail by the United States.
"If the U.S. takes a hostile approach toward the DPRK to the last, rendering the situation complicated, it (North Korea) will be left with no option but to take the second and third stronger steps in succession," he said, without elaboration, Reuters reported.
The U.S. has backed a number of sanctions on North Korea.
"It is the disposition and firm will of the army and people of the DPRK to counter high-handed policy with tough-fist policy and to react to pressure and sanctions with an all-out counter-action," Jon said.
See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?