In other news, North Korea is warning increased US pressure over its reported nuclear test would be considered an act of war and could lead to further tests. In a statement Wednesday, the North Korean Foreign Ministry said its ready “for both dialogue and confrontation.” The warning comes as the United Nations Security Council continues to debate a draft resolution of sanctions proposed by the US. The US wants sanctions under Chapter Seven of the UN Charter, which means they would be mandatory and ultimately enforceable by military means.

• UN Ambassador John Bolton: “We have provided in the text a clear humanitarian exemption for the sanctions and we’ve designed the text as we’ve circulated it, to go after North Korea’s programmes of weapons of mass destruction.”

China has reportedly cancelled leave for troops along part of its border with North Korea and South Korean forces have been ordered to stay on high alert.