On May 25, 2009, North Korea announced that it had successfully conducted its second nuclear test, having expelled all international nuclear inspectors as a response to a tightening of sanctions by the UN Security Council which had punished NKs long-range ballistic missile test conducted in April. NK is now determined to revive its atomic weapons and other advanced missile development programs despite widespread international opposition, especially from the US, South Korea, and Japan. The UN Security council thus unanimously passed a resolution to tighten NK, including inspections of cargo vessels and airplanes suspected of carrying weapons and nuclear technology. NK has sold missiles to Iran and other Middle East neighbors, and a nuclear reactor to Syria. According to the Korean Central News Agency, the North's state-run news service, "an attempted blockade of any kind by the US and its followers will be regarded as an act of war and met with a decisive military response... No mater how hard the US-led hostile forces may try all sorts of isolation and blockade, the DPRK, a proud nuclear power, will not flinch from them." More info: www.thebulletin.org Japan's reaction: www.thebulletin.org South Korea's reaction: www.thebulletin.org China's reaction: thebulletin.org
Keywords: North Korea, nuclear weapons, nuclear test, missile development, the UN, Security Council, US, Japan, South Korea, China, Asia, international, sanctions, news
