Expert: N. Korea seeking global reaction

PYONGYANG, North Korea, May 27 (UPI) -- North Korea has issued a stream of bellicose statements since its nuclear test this week, analysts say.

The Voice of America reported Wednesday that Pyongyang has gone so far as to declare that armistice that ended fighting in the Korean War is null and void.

"This is very normal kind of language (for North Korea)," said Kim Tae-woo, vice president of the Korea Institute for Defense Analysis. "We already get used to that kind of practice."

Kim added that North Korea appears to be trying to provoke a reaction from South Korea and other countries with its nuclear test.

He noted that North Korea has one of the largest armies in the world, with more than 1 million active-duty troops.

"So, when we consider the total size of North Korean population, slightly over 20 million, North Korea has over 7 million regular troops and reserve forces," Kim said. "This is the reason why they call North Korea a barracks country."