By Joe Gould and Aaron Mehta
WASHINGTON — The White House reacted to North Korean claims of a hydrogen bomb detonation Wednesday by casting doubt, while Republicans in Congress urged a tough response.
White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said the initial analysis was "not consistent" with the regime's claims, but called the nuclear test a "provocative and a flagrant violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions."
Based on reports of the test, the Security Council will consider sanctions against Pyongyang, Earnest said.
The US intelligence community is expected to provide the White House with "a more robust assessment," Earnest said.
US National Security Adviser Susan Rice discussed the matter in person with Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai on Wednesday, in line with the White House's expectation that China play a significant role on the issue.
Earnest expressed the US commitment to protecting the national security of its allies in South Korea, where the US maintains a significant military presence.
Among other US officials in touch with their counterparts in the region following the alleged test, Secretary of State John Kerry communicated with his South Korean counterpart, as did Defense Secretary Ash Carter with his South Korean counterpart.
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