The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) announced on Friday that it has conducted a successful nuclear warhead explosion test.
The test, which marked the DPRK's fifth nuclear test in total and second so far this year, is regrettable and constitutes yet another reckless act of Pyongyang. It runs counter to UN Security Council resolutions as well as the ultimate goal of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
The blast is full of symbolism as it took place on the 68th anniversary of the country's founding. Yet ironically, it has dealt yet another heavy blow to the foundation of regional security, its own security included.
Pyongyang has depicted nuclear weaponry as a powerful deterrent against possible foreign invasion, and its deep sense of insecurity is justified. But the DPRK should realize that, given the current international circumstances and prevailing trends of the times, a foolhardy pursuit of nuclear capabilities in violation of international obligations will only isolate itself and put the nation's long-term security in jeopardy.
Against the backdrop of Pyongyang's latest nuclear test is an increasingly gloomy picture of the Korean Peninsula featuring a swelling number of uncertainties. The United States and South Korea have kept staging war games, and the DPRK has been firing ballistic missiles.
Adding oil to the flames, Washington and Seoul have decided to install in South Korea an advanced missile defense system, which far exceeds the latter's defense needs and poses a grave threat to the security of other countries in the region.
The string of provocative measures are fueling worries that the Korean Peninsula is plunging into a vicious cycle of escalation and degenerating into a tinderbox that could ignite with any spark.
At such a crucial juncture, it is highly imperative that all sides concerned refrain from any action and rhetoric that could stoke up tension.
China has expressed explicit opposition to the DPRK's nuclear and missile tests and Washington and Seoul's missile shield deployment plan as well as other moves detrimental to regional peace and stability, and has been earnestly calling for dialogue.
Dialogue remains the only viable way to permanent peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and willingness of all parties concerned to return to it is needed more than ever.
