The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will counter Japan's sanctions and escalating pressure on it with the toughest stand, said a commentary carried yesterday by the official Rodong Sinmun newspaper.

The DPRK has built a self-supporting national economy, remaining undeterred by Japan's persistent sanctions, the newspaper said.

The DPRK has its own way of living, and will not be affected by any external pressure or sanctions, the commentary added.

The Japanese government is considering imposing more sanctions on the DPRK in an attempt to resolve a feud over Japanese citizens kidnapped by Pyongyang, media reports said.

Tokyo in early October extended for another six months its economic sanctions against the DPRK.