Will North Korea Time Its Third Nuclear Test To Coincide With Kim Jong-il's Birthday? -- Christian Science Monitor
Dates and numbers have great symbolic importance to North Korea, so Pyongyang often schedules what Washington calls 'provocative acts' around holidays and important political events.
North Korea vowed last month to carry out its third nuclear test but has said nothing about timing. As a result, the building suspense in Seoul has prompted many to look at the dates Pyongyang has chosen for past atomic tests, as well as rocket and missile launches.
Dates and numbers have great symbolic importance to North Korea's government. So Pyongyang often schedules what Washington calls "provocative acts" around US holidays and important South Korean political events, an effort to send none-too-subtle messages to its main enemies — Washington and Seoul. Pyongyang also uses the tests to give a nationalistic boost to its citizens, often favoring significant milestones of the state, party and ruling Kim family.
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More News On Reports That North Korea Is Preparing A Nuclear Test
North Korea May Test Several Nuclear Devices at Once, South Says -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Could North Korea be planning multiple nuclear tests? (+video) -- Christian Science Monitor
'Multiple' N Korea tests warning -- BBC
When will North Korea hold nuclear test? The answer is probably the next holiday in the United States -- National Post/AP
North Korea threatens "stronger" measures than nuclear test -- Reuters
North Korea threatens to take 'stronger measure' than third nuclear test -- RT
China state media: North Korea would 'pay a heavy price' for nuclear test -- NBC
China media: Pyongyang warned -- BBC
China 'should exact heavy price from North Korea for nuclear test' -- The Telegraph
China Urged to Take Tough Stance if N. Korea Conducts Nuclear Test -- Voice of America
US, China discuss NKorea as it plans nuclear test -- Washington Post
China worries North Korea may turn against it: Daily -- Hindustan Times