Amid reports that the North conducted an underwater test-fire of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), the Ministry of Unification has vowed an unrelenting response to North Korean provocations while still promising to keep supporting civilian-level inter-Korean exchanges. 
 
Ministry spokesman Lim Byeong-cheol said in a news briefing Monday that based on its principles, his ministry will sternly deal with any provocations, threats or unfair demands from Pyongyang.
 
He added that the ministry will encourage civilian-level exchanges across the border at the same time to help improve inter-Korean ties.
 
The spokesman, however, stressed that civilian-level exchanges will be conducted in a way that promotes the two Koreas' relations, in line with the government’s North Korea policies.
 
Lim reiterated that there has been no change in the government’s stance to maintain sanctions on the North.