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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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Hillary Clinton 'strongly condemns' North Korea's 'nuclear test'

Hillary Clinton Credit: PA

Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has "strongly condemned" North Korea's apparent nuclear test.

She said: "If verified, this is a provocative and dangerous act, and North Korea must have no doubt that we will take whatever steps are necessary to defend ourselves and our treaty allies, South Korea and Japan."

North Korea's goal is to blackmail the world into easing the pressure on its rogue regime. We can't give in to or in any way encourage this kind of bullying. Instead, we should increase pressure and send Pyongyang an unmistakable message that its nuclear brinkmanship won't succeed. The United States and our partners, including the UN Security Council, need to immediately impose additional sanctions against North Korea.

The Chinese government, which wields influence with the North Koreans, must be more assertive in deterring the North's irresponsible actions, and it should take actions to halt prohibited activities transpiring across its borders or its firms that participate in illicit trade or proliferation will have to face sanctions. We should also work with our work with our allies to strengthen our missile defenses.

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

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