Japan: N Korea Could Do Nuclear Test after Rocket Launch

North Korea could opt for conducting a nuclear test after its long-range rocket launch this Friday, according to sources from the Japanese government.

Friday North Korea launched what it said is a rocket carrying its first satellite, and what other countries believed could be a long-range missile.

However, the attempt was unsuccessful, as the projectile exploded in mid-flight, breaking apart and falling into the sea.

"We think that North Korea could do new nuclear tests to rehabilitate its reputation after the unsuccessful Friday experiment," said Japan's vice-Minister of Defense Shu Watanabe, as quoted by ITAR-TASS.

He clarified that the probability for such turn of events might not be all that great, but that his country is closely monitoring North Korean actions.

Watanabe however warned of a general heightening of tensions in the region following Friday's launch.

"Tensions on the Korean peninsula could grow if the North tries to prevent the Republic of Korea to gather the parts of the missile from the sea," said the Japanese vice-minister.

The United States has already condemned the North Korean rocket launch, calling it a "provocation."