South Korea has vowed to respond sternly if Pyongyang launches a long-range missile or conducts a nuclear test. 
 
Calling them acts of severe provocation as well as military threats, Unification Ministry Spokesman Jeong Joon-hee stressed Seoul's stance during a regular news briefing on Wednesday.
 
Jeong reasoned that such provocations directly violate UN Security Council resolutions, adding that Seoul will cooperate with the international community to respond properly yet sternly.
 
With regard to the possibility of North Korea conducting a nuclear test, Jeong said it is hard to see that Pyongyang's intentions have been fully disclosed with the latest announcement and media reports, adding that it is too early to respond point by point. 
 
Jeong also said it is inappropriate to judge whether a long-range rocket launch by the North would constitute an "abnormal incident" as defined in the inter-Korean agreement reached on August 25. The spokesman added details will be discussed if an event occurs. 
 
Meanwhile, North Korean media released no related news on Wednesday after reports in the past two days that hinted at a possible long-range rocket launch and the resumption of nuclear tests.