KCTV went on to say that the nuclear test was a response to sanctions led by the USA and its allies, . and that Pyongyang will continue to develop its nuclear weapons as a means of self-defense. And that’s not all.
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The claims by Kim Jong-un’s government have not been verified but China, the country’s main diplomatic ally, cautioned against “adding fuel to the flames” in state-run media. “China has no power to change Pyongyang’s behavior under such circumstances”. The question is whether it can play them well enough to get what its ruling regime really wants: global recognition, security guarantees and, at the most fundamental level, its own continued survival. China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection said radiation levels in its border region with North Korea were normal.
A submarine ballistic missile test is seen in this undated photo released by KCNA.
A second North Korean nuclear test this year would raise serious worries in Washington because the North’s nuclear tests are part of a push for a nuclear-armed missile that could one day reach the USA mainland.
Pyongyang’s state media said the latest test, which comes after a series of ballistic missile launches that have drawn worldwide condemnation and United Nations sanctions, had achieved its goal of being able to fit a miniaturized nuclear warhead on a rocket. The two countries are, after all, still technically at war.
North Korean nuclear tests are usually heralded by chatter among analysts about preparations at Punggye-ri but there had been little discussion in recent weeks over any signs. While this claim has not yet been demonstrated, US and South Korean military officials say they are developing defensive strategies based on the assumption that the North does possess this offensive nuclear capability.
“The U.S. should never underestimate the tremendous mental power and inexhaustible might of the DPRK”, it added.
China’s bottom line is that it does not want the collapse of the regime in Pyongyang if that leads to a chaotic power vacuum, possibly filled by the U.S. and its allies.
That’s been Pyongyang’s position for decades.
“There are lots of reasons for people to get nervous, particularly with the market at all-time highs”.
Mogherini said the nuclear test was another direct violation of the country’s worldwide obligations not to produce or test nuclear weapons and a serious threat to peace and security of the entire region and beyond.
After the nuclear test in January, Secretary of State John Kerry pushed China to back tougher sanctions. Connie so what exactly did Pyongyang say about this test?
So why does Pyongyang insist on stirring the pot?
“As to the possible sanctions to be adopted by UN Security Council”.
There are indications it is, in reality, making progress on both fronts. “(China) has always been earnestly observing and implementing relevant UNSC Resolutions and we will continue our position of opposing militarisation of Korean peninsula and take part in relevant negotiations in UNSC in a responsible attitude”, she said.
“This nuclear test constitutes a direct challenge to the entire worldwide community”. This test is believed to be its most powerful atomic explosion ever. Or, at some point, Washington and its allies might give up and grudgingly accept the country into the nuclear club.
There have been reports that China has been lenient in enforcing the United Nations restrictions.
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That would bring all of South Korea and Japan within range.
