By Aaron Mehta and Wendell Minnick
WASHINGTON AND TAIPEI — North Korea’s nuclear test Jan. 6 re-awakened debate in Washington over what to do about Pyongyang’s nuclear program. The test reportedly occurred in North Korea’s northeastern region near the Chinese border.
Pyongyang announced it was a hydrogen bomb test, its first, but experts suggest it most likely conducted its fourth atomic test, which requires less technological expertise.
Either way, the test has set off debate in Washington about whether the US should use a carrot-and-stick approach or introduce greater sanctions without enticements.
In a statement shortly after the DPRK [North Korean] announcement, State Department spokesman John Kirby said the US is "monitoring and continuing to assess the situation in close coordination with our regional partners" and called on North Korea to abide by international standards.
"North Korea conducted its first nuclear test in 2006 and, until today, has done so twice since, but we have consistently made clear that we will not accept it as a nuclear state," Kirby said. "We will continue to protect and defend our allies in the region, including the Republic of Korea, and will respond appropriately to any and all North Korean provocations."
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