North Korea's army chief of staff has warned of stronger action if enemies continue to impose sanctions on his country.

General Kim Young-chun blamed the United States for refusing to lift financial sanctions on North Korea and demanding that the North scrap its nuclear program at the six-party talks this month.

He made the comments in a ceremony to mark the 15th anniversary of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il's formal rise to commander-in-chief.

General Kim said North Korea wants peace on the Korean Peninsula, but is not afraid of waging war and will not forgive a violation of its sovereignty and dignity.