The U.S. government says it's not certain what North Korea means when it says it will strengthen its nuclear deterrent.

State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland made the comment during a news briefing on Tuesday, explaining that “obviously there’s nothing to deter in this case.”

Nuland's remarks came after the North’s Foreign Ministry said North Korea will boost its nuclear deterrent as long as the United States continues to pursue “hostile policies.”

On the North denying reports that it plans to conduct another nuclear test, Nuland said the U.S. is going to be guided not by what the North says but by what it does.

The U.S. and North Korea have reportedly kept in touch via their New York channel and shared views on contentious issues, despite the straining of ties sparked by the North's launch of a long-range rocket last month.