The United States has warned North Korea against conducting a second nuclear test.
White House spokesman Tony Snow issued the warning during his daily press briefing on Tuesday, saying it is not unreasonable to expect the North Koreans to carry out another nuclear test, but said such a development would not be a good thing for them.
He said North Korea has made no secret of its desire to be provocative.
Meanwhile, US television reports said American spy satellites have detected vehicle movements in the North that may signal preparations for another test. South Koreans have received similar reports.
The US and China are working more closely together than ever before in the case of the first test.
Asked about the possible consequences, should North Korea conduct another test, Snow said, ''I dare say that they would become even closer as strategic partners in trying to guarantee safety in the Korean peninsula.''
Snow said the North Koreans might act to test the cooperation of the five counties that have been engaged in talks with Pyongyang on its nuclear ambitions: the US, China, Japan, South Korea and Russia. In that case, North Korea will be severely disappointed.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has left for her Asian tour that will take her to Japan, Beijing and Seoul where she will meet South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon, who was recently chosen secretary-general of the United Nations.
She will discuss with leaders of these countries the ways to effectively implement UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea.
