South Korea predicts new missile launches as USA deploys defense

South Korea predicts new missile launches as USA deploys defense"His abusive use of missiles and his nuclear threats show that he is begging for war.

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“War is never something the United States wants. We don’t want it now. But our country’s patience is not unlimited."

3.00pm: Japan warns ‘we cannot waste any more time’

Japan has warned the UN Security Council that “we cannot waste any more time” in punishing North Korea after its latest nuclear test.

"We need North Korea to feel the pressure - if they go down this road there will be consequences,” said Japanese Ambassador Koro Bessho ahead of an emergency council meeting later today.

2.00pm: Putin and Xi condemn North Korea

Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and the other leaders of the BRICS group of emerging economies are the latest to condemn North Korea’s alleged H-bomb test.

Leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa are attending a summit in Xiamen, southeastern China, which was designed to boost their presence on the global stage, but has been overshadowed by Kim Jong-un’s latest act of war-mongering.

In a joint communique, Mr Putin and Mr Xi, along with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Brazilian President Michel Temer and South African President Jacob Zuma slammed North Korea but insisted that the tensions must only be solved through diplomatic means.

1.25pm: Theresa May calls for further sanctions on North Korea

Theresa May believes that “peaceful, diplomatic means are best when dealing with North Korea”, a Downing Street spokeswoman has said.

“As the Prime Minister made clear yesterday, and the Foreign Secretary made clear, our focus is on working with partners to increase pressure on North Korea and find a diplomatic solution to the crisis,” the spokeswoman told reporters.

“We've condemned the test in the strongest possible terms. We are calling for tougher action to have North Korea stop this dangerous and destabilising activity.

“Our focus is on how we increase pressure and come to a peaceful solution, including at the UN today... It's our view in the UK overwhelmingly that peaceful diplomatic means are best."

“During her visit to Japan last week, the Prime Minister said that she wanted to look at increasing the pace of sanctions against Pyongyang.

When asked if this could include an oil embargo, the spokeswoman said: “Our view is that there are further sanctions we could consider.

“There are lots of additional restrictions we could look at on a range of imports and things like restrictions on North Korean workers overseas.

“We expect all of that to be discussed and we will be part of that discussion.”

Mrs May believes that China, Kim Jong-un’s biggest ally, could be doing more – echoing a sentiment often expressed by Donald Trump.

“China has leverage over North Korea and we should be encouraging them to use that leverage to ensure North Korea stop their illegal acts. That is very much the view of the Prime Minister,” the spokeswoman said.

12.45pm: Neutral Switzerland prepared to mediate between North Korea and its enemies

Switzerland is prepared to act as mediator to help resolve tensions on the Korean peninsula, Swiss President Doris Lethargy has said.

“I think it really is time for dialogue," Ms Leuthard told a news conference in Berne.

“We are ready to offer our role for good services as a mediator. I think in the upcoming weeks a lot will depend on how the US and China can have an influence in this crisis. That's why I think Switzerland and Sweden can have a role behind the curtain.”

Despite Switzerland famously being a neutral country, Ms Leuthard couldn’t help but sneak in a jab as Donald Trump’s love of Twitter.

Discussing the hypothetical need to find a location for talks, she said: “I think that's our role to look at what kind of possibilities we find. Because, well, Twitter won't be an adequate instrument... This must be very discreet.”