The test has been denounced by neighbours such as China, South Korea and Japan. China expressed its “resolute opposition” to the claimed test and said it “defied the universal opposition of international society”. Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is in Seoul for a meeting with South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, said the test was “unpardonable”. President Roh said the claimed test had created a “severe situation” that threatened stability in the region. The US said the reported test was a “provocative act”.

Of course, the test is North Korea seeking to up the ante in leverage over negotiations for aid and economic engagement with the outside world, but nevertheless is a disturbing development.

The North Korean propaganda release accompanying the test included these statements:

“The field of scientific research in the DPRK (North Korea) successfully conducted an underground nuclear test under secure conditions on October 9, Juche 95 (2006) at a stirring time when all the people of the country are making a great leap forward in the building of a great, prosperous, powerful socialist nation.

It marks a historic event as it greatly encouraged and pleased the KPA (Korean People’s Army) and people that have wished to have powerful self-reliant defence capability.”

I bet the people of North Korea would be far happier if they had a decent lifestyle and things like actual food and medical supplies, not to mention freedom, than all the money squandered on follies such as becoming a nuclear power. They might also take issue with the claim that Kim Jong-il and company are doing anything remotely like building a great, prosperous nation.

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