North Korea’s sixth nuclear test has accelerated the roller coaster of tension on the Korean peninsula. 

Following Sunday’s test explosion, Pyongyang announced the “perfect success” of a “hydrogen bomb” designed for use on an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and sent a message to the outside world that its nuclear development cannot be halted.

Furthermore, just hours before the sixth test, North Korea showcased photos of a new miniaturized ICBM warhead on the front page of its state newspaper.

Through these two well-written scripts, it appears Pyongyang now hopes the world will accept Sunday’s nuclear test as evidence that