North Korea has strongly criticized China and warned of "catastrophic consequences" as Beijing increases its pressure on the North.

The North's state-run Korean Central News Agency carried an editorial Friday titled "It is nice to dance to the tune of others?" The editorial repeatedly refers to "a neighboring country," a clear reference to China.

It reads that the U.S. is sending an unprecedented volume of strategic assets to waters near the Korean Peninsula, and a "neighboring country" is not responding while openly threatening North Korea's self-defense measures.

The article blasted alleged remarks by the "neighboring country" that Pyongyang will not stand its economic sanctions, that it will reconsider the importance of its ties with the North, and it can offer guarantees on the North's safety and help with its economic advancement.

The North warned if that country "dances along to the tune of another" and sanctions North Korea, it may be applauded by the enemy but should be warned of "catastrophic consequences" to its relations with Pyongyang. 

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