US warns “response” to North Korean nuclear test

“We are in very close contact with our allies and partners, starting with the Republic of Korea also with Japan and others to be able to respond quickly if the North Koreans continue with such evidence”, Blinken told reporters.

“We are prepared to make short and long-term adjustments to our military position, depending on the case,” he added.

Blinken reiterated that the United States has no “any hostile intent on the DPS”, the official name of the North, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

“So we will continue to contact the DPRK. We are committed to diplomatic approach,” said Blinken.

The senior American diplomat was declared after talks he had in Washington with his South Korean counterpart, officially known as the Republic of Korea, who, like Blinken, said his government was ready to negotiate with Pyongyang “without preconditions”.

“I think North Korea has now completed preparations for another nuclear test, and I think only one political decision should be made,” said South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin.

“If North Korea takes another nuclear test, I think this will only strengthen our prevention and also international sanctions,” he said.

The United States tried to toughen sanctions on North Korea after testing a ballistic missile contrary to UN resolutions, but China and Russia vetoed the Security Council.

North Korea has conducted at least 18 rounds of weapons tests this year, demonstrating the development of the nuclear arsenal.

In the latest test, North Korea launched eight medium-range ballistic missiles, a day after South Korea and the United States completed joint military exercises.