....Wow, where to begin...?Time to make a supposition. NK MAY have detonated a weapon. whether successful or not, It's not a very large device(IRBM, or SRBM warhead, at most.) Anywhere from 1-15Kt. Now, we don't know anything else about this device except that it possibly works. If it's not too large, It would be unwise to assume that The NK did'nt build it outside of the paramaters that would allow it to be used on one of their domestic missiles. I.E., The device may have been built so they can immediately top one of their missiles with it, therefore giving them a delivery system. If they can manage to build one in the first place, It's a sure bet they realized that they needed a weaponized bomb. And since it's small, It leads to a rash of other considerations. Is it small so that it can be sold or exported? Is it small, because it's intended to be a tactical weapon for use against SEATO forces In-Theatre?(Based on Kim's behaviour, one could assume that he believes a limited tactical usage won't be followed by a U.S. counterstrike.)Is China using this as leverage to further their position in the world(Basing this on the moves they've been making on the U.S. economy.)
The answers to all of these questions will be given soon. If I had to make a bet, however, China will use this against us, both diplomatically and economically, to the fullest extent.
