The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting today in New York after North Korea claimed it had carried out a “successful” hydrogen bomb test, diplomats said. The closed-door morning talks between the 15 member nations were called by the United Nations and Japan.
The closed-door morning talks between the 15 member nations were called by the United Nations and Japan.
“While we cannot confirm at this time that a test was carried out, we condemn any violation of UNSC Resolutions and again call on North Korea to abide by its international obligations and commitments,” US mission spokeswoman Hagar Chemali said.
Chairing a National Security Council Meeting, South Korea’s President Park Geun-hye said Seoul would take action, including possible UN sanctions, to ensure that its reclusive neighbour pays the price.
If the test’s success is confirmed, she said: “It could shake Northeast Asia’s security landscape and fundamentally change the nature of the North Korean nuclear issue.
“So now our government has to take decisive measures against any additional provocations by North Korea and work with the international community to make sure the isolated country pays the price for its latest nuclear test.”
South Korean intelligence officials and several analysts however questioned whether Wednesday’s explosion was indeed a fully-fledged test of a hydrogen device.
If the test was indeed a hydrogen bomb, it would mark a significant increase in capabilities from the North, which previously tested far less fission blasts generated by uranium or plutonium.
A hydrogen, or thermonuclear device, uses fusion in a chain reaction.
If North Korea’s claim is confirmed, it would massively raise the stakes around its banned nuclear program and likely trigger tougher international sanctions.