North Korea has announced the successful underground testing of a nuclear bomb, throwing an increasingly-tense region into diplomatic turmoil.
Asian stock markets tumbled in early-morning trading after the announcement, erasing earlier gains. “This move by North Korea came out of the blue, and it introduces geopolitical risk into the equation again,” said Hong Kong asset manager Michiya Tomita. “We’ve had an incredibly steep rally since March, so markets are bound to take a breather.”
North Korean state-run media agency KCNA made the announcement, proclaiming the new test was “aimed at strengthening its [North Korea's] self-defence nuclear deterrent in every way”. KCNA also claimed the blast was as powerful as the nuclear bomb that destroyed Hiroshima the end of World War II.
North Korea reportedly gave warning of an imminent test to the US less than an hour before it happened. South Korean seismologists picked up the test after it created an earthquake measuring magnitude 4.5 in the northeast of North Korea at 9.54am local time.
North Korea also launched three short-range missiles after the test, in a clear sign of aggression to its neighbors.
The communist dictatorship tested a long-range missile in March, which many believe could carry a nuclear payload. An earthquake in October 2006 was actually the first underground nuclear test conducted by North Korea, although Western officials denied the fact at the time. Monday’s blast was considerably more powerful than the 2006 test.
In an e-mailed statement from the White House, Barack Obama condemened the nuclear test. “North Korea is directly and recklessly challenging the international community,” Obama said. “Such provocations will only serve to deepen North Korea’s isolation.”
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Shibal Nom!
I have every confidence that the FO will make the wrong decision because that has been his track record.
My nephew is over there and I am afraid, very afraid. These maniacal morons have now come out and said that they do not have to abide by the 1950's peace accord and they have the right to rage war. They have the powder and they are encouraging us to throw the match. God help our boys. I hope that they do not become The Mouse that Roared.
Their major threat is "North Korea warned South Korea and the United States on Wednesday that Seoul's participation in a U.S.-led program to intercept ships suspected of carrying weapons of mass destruction is equal to a declaration of war."
b