China, North Korea’s strongest ally, said it would “launch solemn representations” with Pyongyang, following a claim by the rogue state that it had successfully conducted a test of a miniaturized hydrogen nuclear device – a claim that has been met with skepticism.
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Experts have previously dismissed North Korea’s claim to have a hydrogen bomb, but say that the dictatorship may be able to develop a less powerful thermonuclear weapon within five years.
North Korea was believed to be years from developing such a sophisticated device, and experts voiced scepticism that today’s test was indeed of a hydrogen bomb – saying the apparent yield was far too low.
Hydrogen bombs are more powerful and technologically advanced than atomic weapons, using fusion – the merging of atoms – to unleash massive amounts of energy.
The UN Security Council has made a decision on the initiative of the USA and Japan to hold an emergency session in regard of the North Korean test.
“It’s not only grave provocation of our national security, but also an act that threatens our lives and future”. Officials in Japan were also holding discussions.
The North’s nuclear test could prompt the UN Security Council to tighten its sanctions against North Korea.
South Korea on Wednesday issued a statement condemning North Korea for testing a hydrogen bomb and pledging to take all necessary measures against North Korea.
“If confirmed, this action would represent a grave violation of the DPRK’s global obligations not to produce or test nuclear weapons”, said Frederica Mogherini, the EU’s high representative on foreign affairs. Five nuclear states, including the U.S., signed it but have not ratified.
However, given the opacity of the regime’s nuclear program, it is very hard to credibly assess where the country’s strategic weapon programs stand at any particular moment, so even basic questions about its nuclear weapons capabilities are shrouded in considerable uncertainty.
The White House said it could not confirm North Korea’s claims, but added the United States would respond appropriately to provocations and defend its allies. Lee Choel-woo, a ruling Saenuri party’s lawmaker had stated to journalists that “The power of third nuclear test was 7.9 kilotons, but this time was 6.0 kiloton”.
Pyongyang has so far conducted three nuclear tests – in 2006, 2009 and 2013 – with the last one also measuring 5.1 on the USGS scale.
A Chinese paramilitary policeman stands guard outside the North Korean Embassy in Beijing, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016.
North Korea is thought to possess a handful of crude nuclear weapons and has long pushed for an arsenal of warheads that can be mounted on a ballistic missile.
National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said the US was working “in close coordination with our regional partners”.
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“North Korea’s nuclear test this time is a major threat to our nation’s safety”.
