South Korea prepared for North Korea

While North Korea isn't backing away from threats of nuclear war, neighboring countries are taking precautionary measures for a possible missile test launch.

South Korea's presidential office told reporters Sunday that they take Pyongyang's surprise warning to foreign embassies and international organisations there to evacuate before April 10 as a sign that North Korea may test-fire its missile that day.

"We're thoroughly preparing for this, leaving all possibilities open," said Kim Jang-Soo, chief of the National Security Office, during a meeting at the presidential office, according to spokeswoman Kim Haing.

North Korea: US defends moves

The US has defended its robust response to military threats from North Korea amid criticism that both sides are to blame for the escalating rhetorical standoff.

Pyongyang ratcheted tensions in the region to new levels on Thursday by reportedly moving a medium range missile to its eastern coast after warning it has been authorised to attack the US using "smaller, lighter and diversified" nuclear weapons.

This followed steps by Washington to move interceptor missiles and warships to the region to defend against possible attack by the North.But the US State Department responded to questions from reporters about the danger of a downward spiral by insisting that it had no choice but to respond in this way.

"When you have a country that is making the kind of bellicose statements and taking the kind of steps that they have, you have to take it seriously and you have to take steps to defend the US and its allies," said spokeswoman Victoria Nuland.

Enough said. The US has done the necessary.