Bugger.

Today, at 1:36am GMT, North Korea tested a nuclear warhead. Naturally, in the wake of the Taepodong-2 test firing in July, nations in the region are more than a little nervous. The move has been internationally condemned, even by China, possibly the North’s closest ally. The Chinese Foreign Ministry described the testing as “brazen”.

The saga of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) nuclear ambitions has been churning for at least fourteen years. In 1993, the DPRK refused to allow the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect two unreported facilities. Shortly afterwards, the hermit state withdrew from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Tensions were high, but in 1994, Washington & Pyongyang signed an agreement that stated the DPRK would cease attempting to build nuclear weapons, in return for the USA providing her with the means to set up a nuclear energy program. This aid never materialized.

In 2002, George Bush described the DPRK as part of the Axis of Evil, and months later, Intelligence claimed to have found evidence of a new nuclear warhead producing operation. The US, South Korea and Japan then halted the supply of oil, which had been a condition in the 1994 agreement. The following month, North Korea reactivated its nuclear facilities at Yongbyon.

Since then, the North has been persuaded to join the Six Party talks, involving the US, Russia, South Korea, China and Japan. Some commentators have suggested that the DPRK’s tactics have been to make the world sit up and take notice of her demands, namely the lifting of economic sanctions.

Apart from an unpredictable nation like the DPRK having nuclear weapons, the other worry is that other countries could be inspired to start their own program. Nuclear warheads are the ultimate bargaining chip, a self perpetuating necessity. If a potential enemy has such power, it’s almost insane not to acquire it yourself. This, of course, is the stance of the DPRK, their statement claiming

"It will contribute to defending the peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and in the area around it."

meaning they’ll be dealt with on more equal terms. What the International solution to the crisis will be is anybodies guess…I’m going to be watching this space.