North Korea announces successful test of hydrogen bomb

North Korea has officially announced the successful test of a hydrogen bomb.

The powerful earthquake was recorded near the nuclear test site in North Korea in the morning. According to the experts, it was 4.2-5.1-magnitude earthquake. Later, the country’s central television announced the successful test of a hydrogen bomb.

The reliability of this statement is not yet confirmed, but the leaders of several countries have already condemned the actions of Pyongyang.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that “North Korea poses a big threat to Japan and other countries, and the use of nuclear weapons is unacceptable.” As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council Japan “will work closely with the permanent members, including the US, China and Russia, on the nuclear issue of North Korea.”

South Korean President Park Geun-hye announced the intention to convene a special meeting of the country’s security council and strengthen the combat readiness of the army.

“Seoul will work closely with the US and other regional partners to take the necessary measures, including strengthening sanctions against Pyongyang,” the presidential administration stated.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announced “strong protest against the provocative and dangerous actions of the North Korea’s regime.”

“Today’s nuclear test confirms North Korea’s status as a rogue state and a continuing threat to international peace and security. North Korea’s development of nuclear weapons threatens peace and security of Australia’s friends and partners in our region and beyond. Australia would make its concerns known directly to the North Korean government and would work to strengthen sanctions aimed at reducing funding to North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction programs,” reads the statement made by Bishop.

Chinese Foreign Minister Hua Chunying urged North Korea to adhere to commitments on denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

“We urge Pyongyang to adhere to commitments on denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and refrain from any action that could lead to aggravation of the situation,” reads the message.

Paris and London described Pyongyang’s actions as “unacceptable violation” of the UN Security Council Resolution.