US condemns North Korea’s nuclear test, preparing new sanctions

The US has joined the international condemnation of North Korea’s latest nuclear test and is preparing a package of sanctions that would "cut off North Korea economically" amid growing tensions with Pyongyang.

In a pair of tweets issued Sunday, US President Donald Trump said North Korea’s nuclear test was “very hostile and dangerous” to the US.

“North Korea has conducted a major Nuclear Test. Their words and actions continue to be very hostile and dangerous to the United States. . .North Korea is a rogue nation which has become a great threat and embarrassment to China, which is trying to help but with little success,” Trump wrote.

China, Russia and South Korea are among the nations that have voiced strong criticism of the North's sixth nuclear test.

Trump described Pyongyang as a "rogue nation" which had become a "great threat and embarrassment" to China – North Korea's main ally.

Experts on North Korea have warned that aggressive rhetoric could backfire on Trump, convincing Pyongyang that it is in imminent danger and triggering what he sees as a pre-emptive attack.

Trump also admonished South Korea, a longtime US ally, for its handling of the nuclear crisis, stating that “appeasement with North Korea will not work.”

On Friday, Trump spoke with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, “pledging to continue to apply strong diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea,” according to the White House.

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US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Sunday the Treasury Department will prepare a package of sanctions that would "cut off North Korea economically" following its nuclear test.

"I'm going to draft a sanctions package and send it to the president for his strong consideration so anybody (who) wants to do trade or business with them will be prevented from doing trade or business with us," Mnuchin said on Fox News.

North Korea said Sunday it has conducted a “successful” hydrogen bomb test, hours after two tremors were detected in the country.

“The hydrogen bomb test was a perfect success,” North Korean state television said, adding that the device was capable of being loaded onto long-range missiles.

The broadcaster said the nuclear test had an “unprecedentedly large power,” and that it “marked a very significant occasion in attaining the final goal of completing the state nuclear force.”

Last week, North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un ordered the production of more rocket warheads and engines, shortly after the United States suggested that its threats of military action and sanctions were having an impact on Pyongyang’s behavior.

Pyongyang says it will not give up on its nuclear deterrence unless Washington ends its hostile policy toward the country and dissolves the US-led UN command in South Korea. Thousands of US soldiers are stationed in South Korea and Japan.

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