Nations Discuss Second Nuke Test Reports

South Korea and Japan warily monitored unconfirmed reports Tuesday of possible preparations by North Korea for a second nuclear test.

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso said his government has "information" concerning media reports that North Korea could be laying the groundwork for another blast.

"We have information but I cannot speak about its contents," Aso told reporters, without elaborating.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuhisa Shiozaki said Tokyo was working with other unidentified governments on trying to figure out what the North Koreans were up to.

"We are aware that there are various reports. We are closely exchanging information on a constant basis," Shiozaki said. "We should not disclose the content of such exchanges."

A South Korean government official in Seoul said his government also was aware of signs related to possible preparations for an additional North Korea nuclear test. The official said various intelligence reports were coming in about preparations for a possible test, but that it was unclear how reliable they were.

advertising
Seoul already has taken measures to be more vigilant for a possible second nuclear test by North Korea, and was bolstering exchanges of intelligence with the United States, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the information.

U.S. government officials have said that they would not be surprised if North Korea were to attempt a second nuclear test sometime soon, following the first one on Oct. 9.