Beijing, Apr 22 (IANS): North Korea seemingly made a subtle warning to China on Saturday of catastrophic consequences to their bilateral relations, as it asked Beijing not to step up sanctions.

The warning came in a commentary titled "Are you good at dancing to the tune of others", released by the state-owned KCNA news agency.

While the commentary did not mention China by name, Pyongyang expressed its criticism of "a country around North Korea", Efe news reported.

"The country is talking rubbish that North Korea has to reconsider the importance of relations with it and that it can help preserve security of Pyongyang and offer necessary support and aid for its economic prosperity, claiming the latter will not be able to survive the strict 'economic sanctions' by someone," the commentary said.

It added that if "the country" continues applying sanctions on Pyongyang, "it may be applauded by the enemies of North Korea, but it should get itself ready to face the catastrophic consequences" in bilateral relations.

In February, Beijing announced that it would not buy coal - North Korea's main export - from Pyongyang for the rest of the year in support of a UN resolution.

Official media in China has also suggested the possibility of suspending exports of hydrocarbons if North Korea conducts a new nuclear test.