As world leaders debated how to punish North Korea’s claim of a fourth nuclear test, South Korea retaliated by broadcasting anti-Pyongyang propaganda across the rivals’ tense border Friday on what was believed to be Kim Jong Un’s birthday. At that time, Seoul said it would resume the loudspeaker broadcasts if “abnormal” situations occur.
Advertisement
North Korean government officials said on its national television that the government has successfully tested a “miniaturized” hydrogen bomb, as the claim is being verified by experts around the world.
The underground explosion angered China, which was not given prior notice although it is North Korea’s main ally, pointing to a strain in their ties. Even a test of an atomic bomb, a less sophisticated and less powerful weapon, would push its scientists and engineers closer to their goal of building a nuclear warhead small enough to place on a missile that can reach the USA mainland.
However, he said Thursday that the approach was no longer welcomed by the United States.
The Japanese Nuclear Regulation Authority, which is strengthening its monitoring activities, and the Japan Chemical Analysis Center, which is analyzing dust samples collected by the country’s Air Self Defense Force, said “there was no particular change” in environmental radiation levels, a finding echoed by South Korean monitors. “Just Let Us Love” by a popular female group Apink is one of the songs being broadcast across the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea.
The UK’s Foreign Secretary has urged South Korea to “exercise restraint” in the wake of North Korea’s nuclear bomb test.
Hours after the nuclear test, the UN Security Council said it would work immediately on significant new measures against North Korea. Obama had announced a new round of sanctions but has since delayed implementing them.
Statements from the White House said President Barack Obama had spoken to South Korean President Park Geun-Hye and to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan. The possible test of a hydrogen bomb increased geopolitical risks in the region and spread jitters throughout the global markets.
The resumption came in retaliation for what the DPRK claimed was its first successful test of a hydrogen bomb on Wednesday.
The spokesman said that the North’s nuclear test itself constitutes a violation of the August deal. “They didn’t even notify us before carrying out a nuclear test”, said the professor, who asked not to be identified because he is not allowed to speak with foreign media.
A successful nuclear test would send a powerful message to Kim’s domestic audience and the ruling party.
Some believe North Korea might have detonated a boosted fission bomb, a weapon considered halfway between an atomic bomb and an H-bomb. He said that China’s approach to North Korea had failed.
Nancy Pelosi, the House Democratic leader, told reporters that Democrats would support a North Korea bill likely to be brought for a vote by Republicans next week.
In this Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016 photo provided by the United Nations, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, left, holds a emergency meeting at UN headquarters with senior advisors to discuss the latest test of a thermonuclear bomb by North Korea. A congressional source said it was expected as soon as Monday.
The North’s broadcasts were not clearly audible from the South and appeared meant to drown out those from the South, Yonhap said, citing a South Korean official.
Advertisement
“Our military is at a state of full readiness, and if North Korea wages provocation, there will be firm punishment”.
