The Shots Heard 'Round the Region

After an underground nuclear test by North Korea coupled with missile tests, Japan and other surrounding countries are expressing worry and outrage.  
 
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We’re watching developments from North Korea -- from that region -- what are the perspectives of the neighbors of North Korea. Let’s take a regional look from South Korea, Japan, Russia and China…
 
North Korea launched short range missiles and performed an underground nuclear test…
 
North Korea’s neighbors are speaking out.
 
In South Korea -- a JoongAng Daily editorial examines the immediate impact of the nuclear test on South Korea and its Western ties.
 
“We are in serious trouble. … Although our conventional weapons are much stronger than North Korea’s, they are useless before a nuclear weapon. Because of conditions that do not allow us to possess nuclear weapons immediately, we have no choice but to entirely depend on the U.S. nuclear deterrent.”
 
Dong-A, a South Korean newspaper, ran an editorial questioning the timing of the nuclear test in the wake of the suicide of South Korea’s former President, but states strongly:
 
“Nuke Test Had Nothing to Do With S. Korea”
 
Moving to the Japanese perspective… The Asahi Shimbun brings us this from the former mayor of Hiroshima.
 
One of only two cities in the world to deal with the aftermath of a nuclear weapon. Takashi Hiraoka points out there is a more humanitarian concern…
 
“I have visited a number of nuclear testing sites, but even with underground testing, radiation is leaked. I am worried that the North Korean public may have been exposed to radiation."
 
Russia borders North Korea on the North… Russia Today interviewed a political analyst from the Moscow State Institute for Foreign Affairs.  He says North Korea only wants to be recognized as a nuclear power.
 
“The bottom line is, as usual, whether the international community is prepared to just to starve North Koreans into submission. It’s a moral question, not just a political question.”
 
Finally, the Mainland Chinese media report China “resolutely opposed” a new nuclear weapons test by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
 
The Central News Agency of North Korea says the country only wants to ensure peace and security.