Kim Yong-Chun (file photo)

North Korea has warned the United States against increasing sanctions, after no progress was made at the latest round of six-party nuclear disarmament talks.

The North Korean army's chief of staff, Kim Yong Chun, said Saturday his country will respond with tougher measures if the U.S. imposes more sanctions. He did not specify what North Korea might do.

This latest round of six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear program ended in Beijing without a breakthrough earlier this week. They were the first held by the six nations in more than a year, and the first since Pyongyang conducted a nuclear test in October.

North Korea promised in principle to disarm in 2005. But it has refused to negotiate implementation until the U.S. lifts financial sanctions imposed last year in response to North Korea's alleged counterfeiting and money laundering.

U.S. envoy Christopher Hill said he is disappointed that this week's nuclear talks made no tangible progress.