Japan issues warning over N Korea nuclear test

Japan said today it will push for a punitive UN resolution if North Korea conducts a nuclear test despite a Security Council warning, amid reports that Tokyo plans to step up its own economic sanctions against the reclusive communist regime.

North Korea’s threat to conduct its first nuclear weapon test has prompted grave international concern, and its neighbours applauded the Security Council statement urging the North to cancel the test, which could come as early as tomorrow. The statement warned of unspecified consequences if North Korea proceeds with the test, and urged it to return immediately to talks on scrapping its nuclear weapons programme.