North Korea has sharply criticized Secretary of State Marco Rubio for labeling the nation a "rogue state," dismissing the comment as "nonsense" and warning of strong countermeasures against any perceived provocation from the U.S. government.

Rubio used the term during a recent appearance on "The Megyn Kelly Show" while discussing U.S. foreign policy objectives and the changing global landscape. He highlighted the emergence of a multipolar world with significant powers like China and Russia, alongside what he called "rogue states" such as Iran and North Korea.

The North Korean Foreign Ministry responded by stating that Rubio's comments were a serious political provocation, violating international law principles of respecting sovereignty and non-interference. They accused Rubio of attempting to damage North Korea's reputation and claimed his remarks reflect an inaccurate view of their country held by the current U.S. administration. The ministry further asserted that such statements would not advance U.S. interests.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (left) and Secretary of State Marco Rubio (right). (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service/AP/Mark Schiefelbein)

The North Korean statement emphasized their intolerance for any hostility from the United States, promising to respond forcefully to any actions they deem provocative.

Former President Donald Trump (right) met with Kim Jong Un in Singapore in June 2018. (AP/Evan Vucci)

During his interview, Rubio stressed the importance of U.S. foreign policy prioritizing national interests while striving to avoid armed conflicts, given the potentially catastrophic consequences of a global conflict in the present day. He pointed out the significant destructive power held by multiple nations, underscoring the critical need to prevent war while simultaneously protecting U.S. interests.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio (right) is greeted by Panama's Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha (left) in Panama City. (AP/Mark Schiefelbein)