US, China condemn North Korea nuclear test

by Jesse Byrnes - 09/09/16 9:10 AM ET

Several global leaders, including Pyongyang’s closest ally, China, have condemned North Korea’s fifth nuclear test that the country celebrated Friday.

President Obama was briefed aboard Air Force One on Thursday night about the reported seismic activity near the North Korean nuclear facility. Obama spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Park Geun-hye, according to the White House.

{mosads}”The President reiterated the unbreakable U.S. commitment to the security of our allies in Asia and around the world,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest said late Thursday.

“The President indicated he would continue to consult our allies and partners in the days ahead to ensure provocative actions from North Korea are met with serious consequences,” Earnest added.

The Pentagon called North Korea’s nuclear test “yet another flagrant violation” of United Nations Security Council resolutions, according to The Associated Press, which reported that leaders from nations including Japan and France condemned the test.

China also issued a statement saying it was “resolutely” opposed to the test, which came “despite the widespread objection of the international community,” according to The Washington Post.

“We strongly urge North Korea to keep its promise to denuclearize, to abide by relevant resolutions from the U.N. Security Council and to stop making any moves that worsen the situation,” China’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

A 5.3-magnitude earthquake was reported near a nuclear test site where North Korea tested its fourth nuclear device in January.

The Security Council is expected to discuss the test at a closed-door meeting Friday, per the request of the U.S., Japan and South Korea, according to Reuters.

Tags China Japan North Korea South Korea United States