nuclear test had an explosive yield of between 6 and 7 kilotons, South Korea's defense ministry said, according to AFP.
Pyongyang said the move was part of an effort to protect its national security and sovereignty, citing US opposition to the recent North Korean space launch.
13:55 GMT: The Kremlin has condemned North Korea’s test, saying it is an unlawful and severe violation of UNSC rules.
13:37 GMT: Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi has defended North Korea’s activity. He said that Pyongyang has a right to conduct nuclear tests as a part of its internal interests since North Korea withdrew from the Non-Proliferation Treaty in 2003.
12:00 GMT: Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi has summoned the North Korean ambassador to the country, saying he was "strongly dissatisfied and resolutely opposed" to the test. The top official also urged the DPRK to "stop any rhetoric or acts that could worsen situations and return to the right course of dialogue and consultation as soon as possible," Reuters reported.
RT 
