New Delhi, Aug. 20 -- North Korea on Wednesday denied any direct communication between leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump, rejecting Trump's claim of recent contact. Pyongyang also dismissed Washington's decision to scale down joint military drills with South Korea, insisting US policy toward the North remains antagonistic.

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of Kim Jong Un, said in a statement carried by state media KCNA: "The relationship between the two leaders remains excellent. "However, the US's hostile policies toward the Democratic People's Republic of Korea haven't changed."

Her remarks came after Trump's assertion on Monday that Kim Jong Un had responded to his request for talks. Speaking to reporters, Trump said he...