World condems Korea nuclear test claim

US government officials said a wide range of agencies were looking into claims by North Korea that it had performed its first-ever nuclear test today.

A White House official said administration officials have not been able to confirm the report independently, but are trying to learn more about it.

US intelligence has been closely watching several sites in North Korea that could be used for a nuclear test.

Neighbouring South Korea said that it would “sternly respond” to North Korea’s alleged nuclear test.

“South Korea cannot tolerate” a test, said presidential spokesman Yoon Tae-young. “North Korea should assume all responsibilities” for the fallout from a test.

“North Korea must immediately scrap its nuclear programme and return to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty,” the spokesman said.

Japan’s top government spokesman claimed a test would be regarded as a serious provocation and a threat to global stability.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuhisa Shiozaki said the government has set up a task force to discuss the situation and that the Meteorological Agency is analysing data to determine if Pyongyang has conducted a test.

“We are doing all we can to confirm facts,” Shiozaki said at a hastily called press conference in Tokyo, adding that the government is considering its response.

He said the test, if confirmed, presents a “serious threat not only to our country, but also to north east Asia as well as international society.”