WASHINGTON, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The United States on Friday warned the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) against " provocative behaviors" after the country declared no-sail zone off its west coast.

"We certainly would say that North Korea should refrain from actions that aggravate tensions," said State Department spokesman Philip Crowley.

"We'd rather see them take concrete steps, irreversible steps towards fulfillment of the 2005 joint statement, comply with international law...cease provocative behaviors, and take steps to improve relations with its neighbors," Crowley said.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has designated a no- sail zone off the west coast, media reported on Friday. The nine- day ban, scheduled from June 19-27, arouses speculation that it might be part of preparations to fire a short-range missile in response to a scheduled naval drill between South Korea and the United States.

"In the past, it has sometimes been followed by missile launches. We would hate to see North Korea go through with another round of missile launches," he said. "It's not the steps that they need to take."