'We will not be cowed': Australia hits back at North Korean threats

Defence Personnel Minister Dan Tehan says the government will support its allies in the region and won't bow to North Korea threats.

Australian Defense Minister Marise Payne, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Defense Minister Song Young-moo Source: AP

The Turnbull government has hit back at North Korea, saying it won't be cowed by the rogue state's threats.

North Korea has criticised and threatened Australia for aligning itself with South Korea and the US and for its attitude toward the Pyongyang regime, according to state-run media.

But Defence Personnel Minister Dan Tehan told Sky News on Sunday that Australia is not frightened by Pyongyang's comments.

"We will not be cowed by the North Koreans," Mr Tehan said.

"We will continue to do everything we can to protect and help and support our allies."

A statement carried by the state-run North Korean news agency KCNA on Saturday said: "Lately, Australia is showing dangerous moves of zealously joining the frenzied political and military provocations of the US against the DPRK.