President Barack Obama said Tuesday that North Korea's third successful nuclear test was "highly provocative" and threatened international peace along with the U.S. security.
President Obama released an official statement Tuesday that stated that North Korea's third successful nuclear test was a "highly provocative act" that "undermines regional stability" and threatened U.S. Security and international peace.
"The danger posed by North Korea's threatening activities warrants further swift and credible action by the international community," Obama said in the statement. "The United States will also continue to take steps necessary to defend ourselves and our allies."
North Korea State-run KCNA news agency confirmed that the test was carried out in a safe and perfect manner. It also confirmed the use of "a miniaturised and lighter nuclear device with greater explosive force than previously did not pose any negative impact on the surrounding ecological environment."
Earlier last month, North Korea's National Defense Commission issued a statement that stated United States was its prime target for a nuclear test and long-range rocket launches.
"These provocations do not make North Korea more secure," Obama said. "Far from achieving its stated goal of becoming a strong and prosperous nation, North Korea has instead increasingly isolated and impoverished its people through its ill-advised pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery."
This is North Korea's first nuclear test since leader Kim Jong Un took power in December 2011 following the death of his father, Kim Jong Il. The action has been seen by many as a bold statement for the young leader as he unveils his domestic and foreign policy for a country long alienated from the West.
