North Korean leader Kim Jong-il returns a salute as he reviews a military parade in Pyongyang, in this October 10, 2005 file photo. North Korea said on October 9, it had safely and successfully carried out an underground nuclear test, flying in the face of a warning from the U.N. Security Council. - Reuters

SEOUL (Reuters):

World powers condemned North Korea yesterday after it said it conducted an underground nuclear test and the U.N. Security Council prepared a stern response that could further impoverish and isolate the communist state.

China, Pyongyang's strongest political and economic backer, denounced the test by its neighbour as "brazen", and urged it to avoid action that could worsen the situation. Russian President Vladimir Putin also condemned the test.

U.S. President George W. Bush called it a "provocative act" that threatened international peace and security and required an immediate response from the U.N. Security Council.

Yesterday's announcement by Pyongyang sharply escalated world concerns over North Korea's nuclear programme and was a slap in the face for major regional and world powers engaged in six-party talks intended to prevent just such a test.

Sharp blow

It delivered a sharp blow to Chinese President Hu Jintao's doctrine of using economic incentives and diplomatic coaxing to avert North Korea's drive to become a nuclear weapons state. Only seven states have acknowledged having nuclear weapons.

The Security Council was preparing a swift response to the test, with the United States called for a range of sanctions including international inspection of cargo going in and out of North Korea to check for weapons of mass destruction and related materials, diplomats said.

Other proposals included a total arms embargo and a freeze on assets associated with Pyongyang's weapons of mass destruction.

Britain and France said they would support sanctions. "The discussion will be on sanctions," France's U.N. Ambassador Jean-Marc de la Sabliere said on his way into a Council session. "The time has come to have a Chapter 7 resolution."