North Korea Carried Out Its Fifth Nuclear Test

11:18     9 September, 2016

North Korea says it has successfully carried out its fifth nuclear test. South Korea believes it is the North's biggest-ever test, raising fears it has made significant nuclear advances, BBC reports.

The North said the test had been of a "newly developed nuclear warhead" and that it was now capable of mounting a nuclear device on ballistic rockets.

South Korean President Park Geun-hye called it an act of "self-destruction" showing the "maniacal recklessness" of leader Kim Jong-un. The US warned of "serious consequences".

China's foreign ministry said Beijing was resolutely opposed to the test and urged North Korea to avoid further action that would worsen the situation.