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White House analysis casts doubt on North Korea's nuclear test claims

North Korea says it has successfully conducted a test of a miniaturised hydrogen nuclear device on Wednesday morning.

However, the White House has said initial analysis of the reported nuclear test is not consistent with claims of a successful hydrogen bomb.

In a statement the country said it would continue to strengthen its nuclear programme as long as the US maintained what it called "its stance of aggression."

Much of the international community has condemned North Korea after the claim, including China, the country's major ally, and Britain, which said the move was a "provocation".

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Chinese to 'show their hand' over North Korea 'detonation'

It will be possible to coordinate real international action if the Chinese have decided that the North Korean detonation is a "provocation too far", a former British ambassador to North Korea has said.

John Everard, 59, was the British ambassador to the hermit kingdom between 2006 and 2008 - during the period of North Korea's first nuclear test.

China - North Korea's most powerful ally - has said that it will work with the international community to denuclearise the Korean peninsula, Mr Everard said.

Mr Everard said the Chinese will have to show "at least part of their hand" at the United Nations Security Council meeting tonight.

If the Chinese have decided that this is a provocation too far and from here on the North Koreans have to be brought to heel, then it is possible to coordinate real meaningful international action, but we don't yet know if the Chinese are at that point.

– John Everard

However, he said the Chinese are worried that destabilising the Korean Peninsula could add to economic and social problems in its own regions.

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White House analysis casts doubt on North Korea's nuclear test claims

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