North Korea's Backtracking

North Korea appears to be backtracking on its planned nuclear test, perhaps due to pressure from Russia and/or China.

Recent news reports, such as this one from The Korea Herald, say that:

"North Korea's planned important measures may not refer to a third nuclear test, a state propaganda outlet has suggested, adding to the confusion over Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions.

"The U.S. and hostile forces jumped to conclusions that the republic is planning the third nuclear test, citing their hypothesis and argument," the propaganda weekly Tongil Sinbo said Friday in an article posted on a Web site operated by the North.

The weekly said the U.S. and other countries know little about what important state measures North Korea will take and whether the measures involve a nuclear test or anything worse.

The report came days after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un vowed to take "substantial and high-profile important state measures," amid tensions with the international community over its Dec. 12 long-range rocket launch."

If the reports prove to be true, North Korea will soon be asking for aid as a concession.