North Korea says US should recognize it as Nuclear Weapons State

But whatever the nature of the device, it was North Korea’s 4th nuclear test since 2006, and further evidence of Pyongyang’s intention to continue developing its nuclear weapons capability in the face of worldwide censure.

Last week, North Korea conducted its 4th nuclear test and it resulted in high tension along the border it shares with South Korea.

In November, the two governments agreed upon an updated set of plans to defend South Korea from missile, nuclear, chemical and biological threats.

North Korea announced on January 4 that it had conducted a successful H-bomb nuclear test of a miniaturized warhead.

Beijing’s role is pivotal given its veto power at the UN Security Council and decades-old diplomatic and economic patronage of Pyongyang that has always been deemed a cushion for the Kim dynasty’s survival.

China, however, wants to take a lighter approach to North Korea sanctions, while the United States and its two key allies Japan and South Korea want to implement more powerful and comprehensive sanctions that could place heavy pressure on North Korea individuals and entities directly involved in nuclear tests.

The Department of Cyber Terror Investigation under the South Korean police told NK News that no security breach case involving foreign North Korea watchers has been reported as of yet.

Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken is also scheduled to visit China next week for discussions also expected to focus on North Korea, .

Hwang Joon-kook, Seoul’s chief envoy on North Korea’s nuclear issues, held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wu Dawei and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong on Thursday.

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called Pyongyang’s recent nuclear test “a destabilizing act that violates Security Council resolutions and imperils collective security”, warning of the dangers of nuclearized Korean Peninsula, on Thursday during remarks on his priorities in 2016. But he appeared open to accepting some form of sanctions against Pyongyang while repeating China’s stance that it is important to seek a non-nuclear Korean Peninsula, as well as maintain peace and stability there while resolving issues through dialogue.

“I believe China is aware that if its strong determination is not put into actual, necessary actions, we will not be able to prevent a 5th or 6th nuclear test”, Park said.

Thaad’s deployment has been controversial because it comes with a radar system that can cover more than 1,000 kilometers (621 miles).