·China's Attitude
China was resolutely opposed to the nuclear test by the Democratic People's
Republic of Korea (DPRK), the Foreign Ministry said here in a statement Monday.
"The DPRK ignored universal opposition of the international community and once
more conducted the nuclear test. The Chinese government is resolutely opposed
to it," the statement said.

·Japanese envoy:
Japanese Ambassador to the United Nations Yukio Takasu said on Monday that
the nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)
is an "extremely important challenge" to the authority of the UN Security Council.

·Some Asia Pacific countries

The Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said late Monday that the nuclear
test was "provocative and destabilizing" and a threat to the region's peace
and security.

Rudd said, in a statement, "We join with our partners in calling for quick and
resolute action by the United Nations Security Council in response."

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said the reported test was "a very
disappointing move."

New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully said his country will join the
international community in considering what measures should be taken in
response to the nuclear test.

Singapore also expressed concerns over the DPRK's test in a statement.

"This is a rash and dangerously provocative act that could have grave
consequences which may destabilize the entire region," said the statement.

DPRK's nuclear programs are for "self-defense": Rodong Sinmun

The nuclear programs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) was not intended to threaten anyone, as it was a measure for "self-defense," the official Rodong Sinmun said on Wednesday.