SINGAPORE — Singapore is “deeply concerned and extremely disappointed” by North Korea’s conduct of its nuclear test on Friday (Sept 9), said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), adding that the move along with recent missile tests are “flagrant breaches” of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

“This deliberate and provocative act seriously jeopardises the peace and stability of the region,” said a MFA statement.

“We strongly urge the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) to desist from such actions, and reiterate our long-standing call for the DPRK to abide by its international obligations and commitments.”

North Korea conducted its biggest nuclear test on Friday and said it had mastered the ability to mount a warhead on a ballistic missile.

The blast, on the 68th anniversary of North Korea’s founding, drew condemnation from the United States, Japan, South Korea as well as China, Pyongyang’s main ally.

It was the North’s fifth atomic test and the second in eight months.

North Korea, which labels the South and the United States as its main enemies, said its “scientists and technicians carried out a nuclear explosion test for the judgment of the power of a nuclear warhead”, according to its official KCNA news agency.

It said the test proved North Korea was capable of mounting a nuclear warhead on a medium-range ballistic missile, which it last tested on Monday when US President Barack Obama and other world leaders were gathered in China for a G20 summit.

Pyongyang’s claims of being able to miniaturise a nuclear warhead have never been independently verified.

MFA said Singapore will convey its views to the North Korean government through its Ambassador in Singapore.

“The DPRK can share in our region’s peace and prosperity only if it changes course and works to integrate itself with the region,” it added.