Singapore ‘strongly condemns’ N Korean nuclear test: MFA
People walk past a street monitor showing North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un in a news report about North Korea's nuclear test, in Tokyo, Japan. Photo: Reuters
SINGAPORE — Singapore has condemned the latest nuclear test conducted by North Korea, labelling it a "provocative act" that threatens the region's peace and stability, and further raises tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
"Singapore intends to make its views known to the DPRK government through its Ambassador in Singapore," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement on Sunday (Sept 3).
Urging North Korea to stop its nuclear tests, MFA said that the North's latest actions, including its recent missile tests and two earlier nuclear tests last year, are clear violations of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, and a blatant disregard of the concerns of the international community.
MFA's remarks follow a wave of international condemnation by world leaders.
US President Donald Trump branded the North "a rogue nation'" whose "words and actions continue to be very hostile and dangerous'' to the United States.
France, Russia, the European Union and NATO also issued similar statements condemning North Korea.
North Korea's main ally, China, also slammed Pyongyang for ignoring international condemnation of its atomic weapons programme.
North Korea "has ignored the international community's widespread opposition, again carrying out a nuclear test. China's government expresses resolute opposition and strong condemnation toward this," China's foreign ministry said in a statement on its website.
The test was North Korea's sixth and was far more powerful than any weapon it has previously detonated.
Pyongyang declared the test of what it called a hydrogen bomb to be a "perfect success."
Beijing is North Korea's main diplomatic ally and economic supporter and is seen as playing a crucial role in efforts to get Pyongyang to curb its weapons programme. WITH AGENCIES
