North Korea has announced it has successfully tested a miniaturised hydrogen nuclear device which if confirmed, will be a first for the reclusive regime and a significant advancement for its military ambitions.
North Korea conducts nuclear test
This tests has set off warning bells in Japan and South Korea. China on the other hand has said it has felt tremors on its border cities.
In light of these event, the United States has said it will respond as deemed fit and defend its allies.
“We stand with Japan and our partners and allies in solidarity in the face of North Korean provocations and we will work closely together with you on the coming days,” the United States Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy said.
We are aware of seismic activity on the Korean Peninsula & have seen claims of a nuclear test.
Statement: pic.twitter.com/WvyFkpJcZo— WH National Security (@NSCPress) January 6, 2016
South Korea has held a National Security Council meeting in order to take decisive measures against any provocations by their neighbour.
“This nuclear test is the fourth of its kind and needs further analysis, which North Korea claims as a successful one of a hydrogen nuclear device. It is possible to tip the security balance in Northeast Asia and change the fundamental nature of the situation over North Korea’s nuclear programme,” South Korean President Park Geun-hye said.
Since testing its first atomic device ten years ago, the country has been under UN security council sanctions.
This move by leader Kim Jong Un, could see North Korea face additional sanctions.