North Korean nuclear test would seriously threaten international stability - U.S.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Pentagon said on Tuesday that any new North Korean nuclear test would seriously threaten international stability and acknowledged past indications Pyonyang might be preparing for such a test.

"As you know, there (have) been indications in the past that the DPRK is preparing a test for what would be its 7th nuclear test," Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder told a news briefing, referring to the North's formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

"If they do do such a test, from our perspective, it will clearly constitute a grave escalatory action and seriously threaten regional and international security and stability."

(Reporting by Phil Stewart and Kanishka Singh)