China says it "firmly" opposes the latest nuclear test conducted by North Korea. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying made the statement after Pyonngyang announced it successfully conducted its first test of a hydrogen bomb. "China is steadfast in its position that the Korean Peninsula should be denuclearized and nuclear proliferation be prevented to maintain peace and stability in Northeast Asia. We strongly urge North Korea to honor its commitment to denuclearization, and to cease any action that may deteriorate the situation. The peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia meet the common interests of all concerned. China is determined to advance denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, and settle the nuclear issue through the six-party talks." According to a statement from North Korea"s KCNA news agency, North Korean top leader Kim Jong Un ordered the H-bomb test on Dec. 15, 2015, and signed the final written order on Sunday. The country"s state broadcaster says its development of nuclear weapons is aimed at undermining the United States hostility, and stressed that it will not resort to using nuclear weapons unless its sovereignty were infringed upon. "The test is aimed to protect national security and survival. We are taking self-defence measures to ensure the peace and safety of Korea Peninsula and the region. If the United States does not stop its hostile policies towards us, we will not stop nuclear development or abandon nuclear weapons." South Korean President Park Geun-hye immediately convened an emergency security meeting after the test. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe condemned the H-bomb test, saying the test was a "significant threat". The U.S. government responded that it could not confirm the test but vowed to respond appropriately to any "provocations." Jolts caused by the hydrogen bomb test were felt in the northeastern areas of China that border North Korea. |
