A top North Korean official has defended his country’s announced nuclear test, saying the test was conducted to establish a nuclear deterrent against the United States.

In a meeting in Brussels with European Union parliamentarians, Ri Jong-hyok, vice chairman of the North's Asia-Pacific Peace Committee, said Wednesday that Pyongyang will not succumb to international condemnation over its nuclear test.

Ri said no country can speak for the North’s national interest and that all countries strive for what’s best in their national interest, apparently stressing that Pyongyang had pushed forward with the test to defend itself in the face of pressure from Washington.

On criticism over the North’s human rights situation, Ri said human rights issues should not be used as a reason for pressure and sanctions against a country.

Ri said human rights matters cannot all be judged by the same single standard because issues vary from country to country, depending on the country’s traditions as well as their economic and social development.