North Korea said on Monday it fired long-range strategic cruise missiles into the sea to test the country`s nuclear deterrence, days after it showed apparent progress in the construction of its first nuclear-powered submarine.

Sunday`s launches were the latest weapons display by North Korea ahead of its planned ruling Workers` Party congress early next year. Keen outside attention on the congress, the first of its kind in five years, will be on whether North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will establish new priorities in relations with the US and respond to Washington`s calls to resume long-dormant talks.