(VOVworld)- Two weeks after North Korea’s 5^th nuclear test, the biggest yet diplomatic efforts continue to prevent any further testing.

The US, Japan, and South Korea discuss coordinated response to North Korea's nuclear test

On September 9^th, North Korea conducted its 5^th nuclear test which was estimated to have had the explosive power of 10 kilotons, doubling the power of the test in early 2016. Pyongyang’s media reported that North Korea could use a smaller nuclear warhead to arm ballistic missiles.

The North’s recent nuclear test triggered a strong reaction from the international community because of the threat to peace and safety in the region. Not long after the test, the UN Security Council convened an extraordinary closed meeting to discuss further sanctions against Pyongyang. In addition to strongly condemning North Korea’s nuclear test, the UN Security Council began drafting a new punitive resolution against the North. Before that, the US, UK, and France had urged the UN Security Council to impose new sanctions. The UN Chief Ban Ki Moon said he hoped the UN Security Council would be united and introduce proper actions to stop the escalation.

US President Barack Obama talked on the phone with South Korean President Park Geun Hye and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe about new sanctions. The Foreign Ministers of the US, Japan, and South Korea met in New York on September 18, prior to the meeting of the UN General Assembly, to discuss punitive measures and expand trilateral cooperation. The Foreign Ministers said the North’s defiance of UNSC resolutions that ban it from nuclear and ballistic missile tests has created the biggest ever pressure on the international community. The three countries are considering stronger sanctions against the North but reaffirmed that they remain open to credible and sincere talks aimed at full and verifiable denuclearization of North Korea.  US Secretary of State John Kerry urged North Korea to halt its nuclear program as the first step toward serious negotiations on Pyongyang’s future.

South Korea has strengthened its security following North Korea’s nuclear test. South Korean President Park Geun Hye said Seoul will take effective measures to cope with the North’s provocations emphasizing that the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense is vital in protecting South Korea against North Korea’s missile threats. Ms. Park Geun Hey said Seoul will take strong actions if North Korea fires a nuclear warhead missile.

North Korea conducted its 4^th nuclear test early this year after many years of suspension. With its 5^th nuclear test, North Korea continues to try the patience of the international community and threaten peace in the region.