The U.S. State Department says the Key Resolve joint military drill between South Korea and the U.S. is not a threat to North Korea.

State Department deputy spokesman Robert Wood was referring to North Korea's string of provocative remarks and actions taking issue with the joint exercise.

Wood said the real threat is North Korea and its bellicose rhetoric. The North has fired missiles in the past and appears prepped to fire more.

He said the North's statements are unwarranted, unhelpful and provocative.

Wood added that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will discuss North Korea with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, who is currently visiting Washington.