Angry protests erupt in South Korea on news of North Korea's latest nuclear test.
They're calling on international powers to destroy the North's nuclear facilities, after the nation confirmed Tuesday it had tested a miniaturized nuclear device with greater explosive power than its previous ones.
South Korea said the seismic activity indicated a nuclear explosion slightly larger than the North's two previous tests at 6-7 kilotonnes. By comparison, the Hiroshima bomb in 1945 was around 20 kilotonnes.
In China, the North's only major ally, there were mixed reactions to the test.
(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) 17-YEAR-OLD RESIDENT HU HAI YANG, SAYING:
"I think that this thing has pros and cons. I hope it develops towards the good. If violent force is necessary, North Korea can protect itself for the sake of its own safety."
(SOUNDBITE)(English) MANAGER, MICHAEL CANNELL, SAYING:
"Well I think it just makes it more difficult to actually come to any real resolution at the bargaining table. You know, probably just another trick to get more aid unfortunately. Unfortunately for the people of North Korea."
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with US Ambassador John Roos and called on the US to help with new international sanctions against the North.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO JAPAN, JOHN ROOS, SAYING:
"The United States stands steadfast in its defence commitments to its allies in this region..."
The U.N. Security Council has called an emergency meeting although its options appear limited as existing sanctions have failed to deter the North.
