2009 North Korean nuclear test

2009 North Korean nuclear test
USGS · Public domain · source
Name	2009 North Korean nuclear test
Country	North Korea
Test site	Punggye-ri, Kilju County
Period	25 May 2009
Test type	Underground
Device type	Fission
Max yield	7 kilotons TNT equivalent
Previous test	2006 North Korean nuclear test
Next test	2013 North Korean nuclear test

2009 North Korean nuclear test. The 2009 North Korean nuclear test was the second detonation of a nuclear device conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). It occurred on 25 May 2009 at the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site in Kilju County, following the country's first test in 2006. The test drew widespread international condemnation and led to the passage of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1874, which imposed further sanctions on the isolated regime.

Background

The test was a direct escalation following the 2006 North Korean nuclear test, which had resulted in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718. Tensions had been rising in the spring of 2009 after North Korea launched a rocket in April, which the United States, South Korea, and Japan condemned as a test of ballistic missile technology in violation of Security Council resolutions. The Six-party talks involving North Korea, South Korea, the United States, China, Russia, and Japan had been stalled since late 2008. The government of Kim Jong-il declared it would conduct a new test in response to what it called "hostile policies" from the international community, particularly following criticism from the United Nations Security Council.

Test details

The detonation was detected at 00:54:43 UTC on 25 May 2009 by seismic monitoring stations worldwide, including the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) and the United States Geological Survey. The initial location was pinpointed near the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site in northeastern North Korea. The Korea Meteorological Administration in South Korea and the Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed the seismic event. The Russian Defence Ministry estimated the yield at between 10 and 20 kilotons, while most other analyses, including from the U.S. Intelligence Community, placed it at a significantly lower yield of approximately 2 to 7 kilotons, suggesting a partial success. The North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stated the test was conducted "safely and successfully" and involved a more powerful device than in 2006.

International reactions

The test was met with immediate and near-universal condemnation. The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session, unanimously adopting United Nations Security Council Resolution 1874 on 12 June, which strengthened arms embargoes and financial sanctions. U.S. President Barack Obama called it a "blatant violation of international law" and pledged to work with allies. Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak strongly denounced the action. China, a traditional ally, expressed "firm opposition" and supported the new UN resolution. Russia's Foreign Ministry stated it was a "serious blow" to non-proliferation efforts. Key organizations like the European Union and NATO also issued strong statements of condemnation.

Aftermath and analysis

In the wake of the test, North Korea announced it would weaponize all newly extracted plutonium and begin uranium enrichment work, further complicating denuclearization efforts. The Six-party talks remained effectively deadlocked for years. The event demonstrated North Korea's continued determination to advance its nuclear weapons program despite international pressure. Subsequent analysis by institutes like the Institute for Science and International Security suggested the test likely used plutonium from the Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center. The test set a precedent for further provocations, leading eventually to the 2013 North Korean nuclear test. It significantly impacted security dynamics in Northeast Asia, prompting strengthened military cooperation between the United States, South Korea, and Japan, including enhanced missile defense planning.

See also

* 2006 North Korean nuclear test * 2013 North Korean nuclear test * Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site * Six-party talks * United Nations Security Council Resolution 1874 * North Korea and weapons of mass destruction

Category:2009 in North Korea Category:North Korean nuclear tests Category:May 2009 events in Asia