 "North Korea now more isolated than ever: US")
The US has said that the international community stands united against North Korea's provocations, with Pyongyang more isolated than ever, after the reclusive nation claimed it has successfully conducted its first hydrogen bomb test.
"We do know that the international community is more united than ever before on this issue and on the appropriate approach to dealing with North Korean provocations. As a result, the North Korean regime is more isolated than ever before," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said.
"It makes clear to the North Koreans that they have only one path to choose to deal with the extreme poverty and extreme isolation that causes millions of their citizens to suffer. That path is one that includes them ceasing their provocative activities," he said, adding that this includes ending missile and nuclear tests.
"It also means committing to denuclearising the Korean Peninsula and pursing peace and stability on the Peninsula," Earnest said.
Even some of the close allies of North Korea like China and Russia have condemned this flagrant violation of North Korea's international obligations, he said.
"In the last 15 years, North Korea is the only country in the world to test a nuclear device like this. It's also an indication of their bad track record when it comes to fulfilling international obligations," he said.
The United States is going to work in close consultation with its partners and allies to determine an appropriate response, he added.
Separately, State Department Spokesman John Kirby said it is clear that North Korea's actions constitute yet another violation of its obligations and commitments under international law, including several UN Security Council resolutions.
"The onus remains on North Korea to refrain from reckless and provocative behavior. We remain in close communication with South Korean leaders on our response and the international response to North Korea's actions," he said.
