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North Korea threatens 'nuclear justice' if 'US continues provocation'

The crisis in the Korean Peninsula is escalating with North Korea declaring it is ready for "all out war".

The rogue nation has showed off its ballistic missiles and firepower at a parade in Pyongyang commemorating the birth of the country's founder.

As the parade was held to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the birth on North Korean founder Kim Il Sung, his grandson Kim Jong-Un threatened the world with "nuclear justice".

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un greeting crowds at a parade in Pyongyang. Photo: AP
North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un greeting crowds at a parade in Pyongyang. Photo: AP

One of Kim's spokespeople Choe Ryong Hae has reportedly vowed that the nation would "beat down enemies with the power of nuclear justice", News Corp reports.

During the celebrations Mr Choe is quoted as saying a packed-out square: “If the United States wages reckless provocation against us, our revolutionary power will instantly counter with annihilating strike, and we will respond to full out war with full out war and to nuclear war with our style of nuclear strike warfare.”

Missiles appeared to be the main theme of the giant parade, but Kim Jong Un, took time to greet the commander of the Strategic Forces, the branch of the military that oversees the missile arsenal.

North Korea has held a large military parade to mark the 105th anniversary of the birth of its founder. Photo: AP
North Korea has held a large military parade to mark the 105th anniversary of the birth of its founder. Photo: AP

A US Navy attack on a Syrian airfield this month with Tomahawk missiles raised questions about US President Donald Trump's plans for reclusive North Korea, which has conducted several missile and nuclear tests in defiance of U.N. sanctions, regularly threatening to destroy the United States.

Kim Jong Un, looking relaxed in a dark suit and laughing with aides, oversaw the festivities on the "Day of the Sun" at Pyongyang's main Kim Il Sung Square.

Camouflaged soldiers taking part in a military parade in North Korea. Photo: AP
Camouflaged soldiers taking part in a military parade in North Korea. Photo: AP

Goose-stepping soldiers and marching bands filled the square, next to the Taedonggang River that flows through Pyongyang, in the hazy spring sunshine, followed by tanks, multiple launch rocket systems and other weapons.

Single-engine propeller-powered planes flew in a 105 formation overhead.

Unlike at some previous parades attended by Kim, there did not appear to be any a senior Chinese official in attendance.

The North has said it has developed and would launch a missile that can strike the mainland United States but officials and experts believe it is some time away from mastering all the necessary technology.

Weapons analysts said they believed some of the missiles on display were new types of intercontinental ballistic missiles.