North Korea ( Says it has carried out nuclear testing )

North Korea nuclear test: live

North Korea says it has carried out a successful nuclear test, drawing widespread international condemnation. Follow the latest reaction from around the world as the UN prepares to hold an emergency meeting.

The Punggye-ri nuclear test facility in North Korea Photo: AFP/Getty Images

Mark Hughes, the Telegraph's New York correspondent, reports that Susan Rice, the United States ambassador to the United Nations, described the nuclear test as “highly provocative” and added: “Countries around the world including every member of the Security Council agree this test was an extremely regrettable act and further undermines international peace and security.”

She added that the test “increases the risk of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction”.

“North Korea does not and will not benefit from violating international law. Far from achieving its stated goal of becoming a string and prosperous nation, the DPRK has instead isolated and impoverished its people through its ill-advised pursuit of nuclear weapons,” she said.

Ms Rice added that the test “threatens the security of a number of countries, including the United States”.