North Korea warning follows nuclear threat

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North Korea has warned of “substantial and high-profile important state measures”, days after announcing plans for a third nuclear test.North Korean leader Kim Jong-un made the statement during a meeting with top security officials, state media said, quoted by BBC. The reports did not give details of what the measures might entail.North Korea has issued a series of warnings since the UN tightened sanctions against the country this week over a recent rocket test.On Thursday, the North said it would proceed with a “high-level” nuclear test in a move aimed at the US, its “arch-enemy”.A day later, it promised “physical counter-measures” against South Korea if it participated in the UN sanctions regime.North Korean state media reported on Sunday that Mr Kim had “advanced specific tasks to the officials concerned”.The latest warning came after Rodong Sinmun, a state newspaper, carried an essay on Saturday saying that a nuclear test was “the demand of the people”.“It is the people’s demand that we should do something, not just a nuclear test, but something even greater. The UN Security Council has left us no room for choice.”North Korea has conducted two nuclear tests in the past, in 2006 and 2009. It has given no time-frame for its third test. The UN resolution, passed on Tuesday, was proposed by the US and backed by China, North Korea’s closest ally and biggest trading partner.

Japan launches spy satellites amid concerns about N. Korea

Japan on Sunday launched two satellites to strengthen its surveillance capabilities, including keeping a closer eye on North Korea which has vowed to stage another nuclear test. One of them was a radar-equipped unit to complete a system of surveillance satellites that will allow Tokyo to monitor any place in the world at least once a day.The other was a demonstration satellite to collect data for research and development.The H-IIA rocket blasted off from the southern island of Tanegashima around 1:40 pm (0440 GMT) and released the satellites as planned, according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).“The rocket flew as planned and released both satellites,” JAXA said in a statement, confirming its success.