North Korea has tested another nuclear weapon, its second underground nuclear test, according to its state news agency.
The state released a celebration video commemorating the successful test.
The nation tested its first weapon in 2006, when it was acknowledged as a nuclear power. The U.N. has condemned the demonstration, and several nations including Britain, France and Russia are expected to propose new sanctions.
Even China, which has stood by Pyongyang in the past, “resolutely opposed” the test. Russia, which borders North Korea, said the test was a threat to regional stability.
The question now is, what can the international community do about North Korea?
So far, the only answer has been sanctions, a move that some argue punishes civilians for the actions of their government. North Korea’s willingness to use nuclear weapons, and the unknown state of their arsenal, means it will be difficult to push Pyongyang.
According to analysts, the U.S. has little leverage to influence North Korea. It may be up to China to convince Pyongyang that it can’t afford to use its nuclear weapons.
A timeline of nuclear North Korea.
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