North Korea Nuclear Test Reactions

North Korea says it has successfully conducted a nuclear test today--sparking reaction from throughout Asia. South Korea says it will ask the United Nations Security Council to take countermeasures.

North Korea's official KCNA news agency reported on May 25: "We have successfully conducted another nuclear test on May 25 as part of the republic's measures to strengthen its nuclear deterrent."

South Korean president Lee Myung-bak called an emergency meeting of cabinet ministers over the test.

[Lee Dong-kwan, S. Korean Gov. Spokesman]:
"We will closely cooperate with the member countries of six-party talks, the United States, Japan, China and Russia, and international community and ask the United Nations Security Council to take proper measures (against North Korea's nuclear test)."

North Korea had recently said it would test a nuclear device-- its first was in October 2006. It has said it is reacting to tightened international sanctions for firing a long-range rocket in April.

Seoul citizens criticized North Korea's nuclear test.

[Jong Yoon-joo, Seoul Resident]:
"I can trust North Korea less and less -- Now I do not want a reunification of the two Koreas."

In China, the nuclear test made the news headlines and analysts said the test will anger China, North Korea's neighbor and long-time benefactor. However, many believe that the Chinese Communist Party will block stronger sanctions in any new U.N. Security Council resolution.