North Korea claims hydrogen bomb test

North Korea claimed Sunday that it has tested a "missile-ready" hydrogen bomb with "perfect success," the last stage in developing a "state nuclear force." The thermonuclear test claim has not been independently verified, nor have outside experts confirmed Pyongyang's past claims to have miniaturized a nuclear weapon for missile transport. However, strong tremors were detected near the area of previous North Korean nuclear tests.

Sunday's announcement was met with broad condemnation, including from North Korea's ally, China, which issued a statement saying Beijing "resolutely opposes" and "strongly condemns" North Korea's actions. South Korea President Moon Jae-in labeled the test "an absurd strategic mistake," and Japan, which believes the test to be authentic, called it "absolutely unacceptable" and a "grave and urgent" threat.

National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster promptly spoke with his counterparts in South Korea and Japan, and President Trump issued his comments on Twitter.

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This post has been updated throughout.