Click to play videoNew Delhi: North Korea claimed on Monday that it has performed its first-ever nuclear weapons test.
Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the test had been performed successfully and that there had been no radioactive leakage from the site.
"The nuclear test is a historic event that brought happiness to the our military and people. The nuclear test will contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the Korean peninsula and surrounding region," said KCNA.
South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun convened an emergency meeting of security advisers over the issue, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported and intelligence over the test has been exchanged between concerned countries.
| Full text of the official announcement | |
 The field of scientific research in the DPRK (North Korea) successfully conducted an underground nuclear test under secure conditions on October 9, Juche 95 (2006) at a stirring time when all the people of the country are making a great leap forward in the building of a great prosperous powerful socialist nation. | |
| It has been confirmed that there was no such danger as radioactive emission in the course of the nuclear test as it was carried out under a scientific consideration and careful calculation. | |
| ''The nuclear test was conducted with indigenous wisdom and technology 100 per cent. It marks a historic event as it greatly encouraged and pleased the KPA (Korean People's Army) and people that have wished to have powerful self-reliant defence capability. | |
| It will contribute to defending the peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and in the area around it. |
North Korea had said last week that it would conduct a test, sparking regional concern and frantic diplomatic efforts aimed at dissuading Pyongyang from such a move.
It had said that it would conduct a nuclear test as part of its deterrent against a possible US invasion.
North Korea has long claimed to have nuclear weapons but had never before performed a known test to prove its arsenal.
China, Japan condemn N-test
North Korea's closest ally, China, said on Monday it firmly opposed North Korea's reported nuclear test, and denounced the development as "brazen."
China also demanded Pyongyang stop any action that would worsen the situation, Reuters news service reports.
"The DPRK has ignored the widespread opposition of the international community and conducted a nuclear test brazenly on October 9," China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on its Web site.
Next Page: India's reaction and North Korea's N-quest
"The Chinese government is firmly opposed to this," the statement said.
In Tokyo, the prime minister's office said Japan had set up a task force to address the situation.
Chief government spokesman Yasuhisa Shiozaki said if a nuclear test was confirmed, Japan would "strongly protest" it.
India softens comment
India expressed its concern about North Korea's claim but didn't criticise the country outright. "We are deeply concerned at the reported nuclear tests conducted by DPR Korea," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said.
"This nuclear test does change the power equation in the world. But we all knew this was coming. Now the situation changes for South Korea, Japan and that part of the world. But India should learn that we should not jump into any deal that changes our programme that could lead to our other tests being marred," former chairman of Atomic Energy Regulatory Board of India, Dr A Gopalakrishnan told CNN-IBN.
"This move by North Korea will make Japan rethink it’s nuclear and defense policy. Secondly, it will help Bush strengthen his efforts in building defense against North Korea. Thirdly, this means that US can be now subjected more to nuclear attacks. Lastly, Pakistan has nuclear arsenal but they are not willing to give access to Osama. North Korea has followed the Pakistan example,” said Defence Analyst, K Subramaniam.
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