Xinhua: N. Korea shows 'insecurity'

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BEIJING, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- A Chinese analysis says North Korea's defiant nuclear test was the result of "insecurity" following lengthy tension with the outside world.

Shan Jung, writing for the official Chinese news agency Xinhua, said North Korea's "defiance was deeply rooted in its strong sense of insecurity after years of confrontation with South Korea, Japan and a militarily more superior United States."

North Korea said it went ahead Tuesday with its third nuclear test to defend its national security and sovereignty in the face of a hostile United States, and to protest a U.N.Security Council resolution proposed by the United States to punish North Korea for its December satellite launch.

"At a superficial level, it was Pyongyang that has repeatedly breached U.N. resolutions and used its nuclear program as a weapon to challenge the world community, which was considered to be unwise and regrettable," the analysis said.

He said the latest test "is apparently another manifestation of the attempt of a desperate [North Korea] to keep threat at bay."

The analysis called for calm from "all relevant parties."

"In the long run, dialogue and negotiations, instead of confrontation and barbs trading, are the optimal means to eventually solve the nuclear crisis on the Korean Peninsula," the analysis said.

China joined the other 14 countries on the Security Council to condemn North Korea's nuclear test.