The event in Asia that affected American policy in the Middle East.

The news just hit the wire a short time ago about the successful nuclear test by North Korea:

“The nuclear test was conducted by 100 percent of our wisdom and technology,” the agency said.

“Our science and research centre safely and successfully conducted an underground nuclear test on October 9, 2006.”

This is not a small event and the ramifications across the world will be significant. The best hope under the circumstances is that China would force a regime change in the North but at the moment that looks unlikely. Thing is, without strong action on the part of the Chinese now, it could make life more dangerous in the long run.

Chinese foreign ministry officials and the government’s North Korea watchers have discussed policy options in the wake of North Korea’s televised vow to conduct a nuclear test. The Chinese ambassador to the United Nations issued a pointed appeal for Pyongyang to desist.

“No one is going to protect” North Korea if it goes ahead with “bad behavior,” Wang Guangya said amid the heated diplomacy this past week over a statement criticizing Pyongyang. “I think if North Koreans do have the nuclear test, I think that they have to realize that they will face serious consequences.”

Thing is there’s a lot going on in that part of the world currently:

President Hu Jintao will be watched closely by China’s political elite for signs that he plans to further consolidate his power at an annual policy-making meeting following the ouster of a prominent Communist Party leader for corruption, analysts said.

Although the party has said its four-day Central Committee meeting starting Sunday will officially focus on helping the poor, it is often a time for high-level personnel changes.

and...

“That China and Japan came to an agreement at a summit never to accept a North Korean nuclear test is in itself a strong message to North Korea,” Abe told reporters.

“I think North Korea is closely watching this summit. It was meaningful that we were able to send the message that we won’t accept a nuclear test.”

The North Korean issue has cast a shadow over Abe’s visit to China, his first foreign trip since becoming prime minister two weeks ago. He is due to travel to Seoul on Monday for talks with South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun.

meanwhile, things on the peninsula haven’t been quiet lately...

South Korean troops have fired warning shots at soldiers from the North amid rising tension over North Korean plans to test a nuclear weapon. Early reports suggest that about 40 shots were fired when soldiers crossed into the demilitarized zone.

What the consequences of this test will be, only the future can tell but there are several nations who could find themselves quickly members of the nuclear club as a result - Japan, Taiwan and South Korea. Also what implications this will have on the situation regarding Iran and the enrichment of Uranium after the failed six party talks

.Any test would cause extreme concern in the region and might in due course propel both South Korea and Japan to go down the nuclear weapons route themselves.

This is going to be a big deal in the coming weeks. Hold your breath.

North Korea’s announcement that it has tested a nuclear bomb is set to push Japan to expand its own military and stir debate on what was once the ultimate taboo of developing atomic weapons itself.
The test comes as Japan gradually expands its defense posture, 60 years after it was defeated in World War II and forced by the United States to renounce the right to a military.