Nuclear tests will 'never stop,' North Korean government official says

A North Korean government official in a rare interview promised his country's nuclear tests would "never stop" as long as the US continued what they viewed as "acts of aggression."

Speaking to CNN Wednesday, Sok Chol Won wouldn't confirm when the country's long-anticipated sixth nuclear test would take place but said it wouldn't be influenced by outside events.

"The nuclear test is an important part of our continued efforts to strengthen our nuclear forces," he said.

"As long as America continues its hostile acts of aggression, we will never stop nuclear and missile tests."

Sok's official title is director of North Korea's Institute of Human Rights at the Academy of Social Sciences, but he was authorized to comment to CNN on all matters.

His comments came as top US Cabinet members put a stress on economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure to rein in North Korea, calling for a return to dialogue after a Senate briefing on the threat posed by Pyongyang's nuclear and missile program.

The calmer tone came in contrast to US President Donald Trump's tough rhetoric toward North Korea earlier this week.