North Korea: State media claims successful H-bomb test September 3

Event

North Korean state media reported that the country successfully tested a hydrogen thermonuclear bomb on Sunday, September 3. The nuclear test, North Korea's sixth, was estimated by South Korea's weather agency to comprise a blast yield of at least 50-60 kilotons, which is roughly five to six times stronger than the North Korea's last test in September 2016. The test, conducted underground, resulted in the recording of a 6.3-magnitude earthquake, and immediately drew the ire of the international community. The US, Japan, France, UK, and South Korea requested an emergency session of the UN Security Council on Sunday to assess the act and its associated risks; South Korea's army and air force also conducted live-fire exercises on Sunday, in response. Expect increased geopolitical tensions between North Korea and the US and its regional allies in coming weeks.

Context

The development of North Korea's nuclear program has been a persistent, global geopolitical concern. Tensions between North Korea and the international community are currently exceptionally high after the country's recent ballistic missile tests, the latest of which was fired over the Japanese island of Hokkaido on August 29. Both US President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un have resorted to tough rhetoric and have mutually threatened each other in recent months.

Advice

Individuals in east Asia and Oceania are advised to follow all instructions provided by local authorities and to monitor developments.