VOA常速英语:朝鲜进行核试验以遏制美国核威胁

This is VOA news. I'm David Byrd.
A senior North Korean military official said that recent tests of defense technology are aimed at subduing nuclear threats from the United States.
As AP's Ben Thomas reports, the general statement came after Pyongyang conducted a test at its long-range rocket launch facility.
North Korea's Academy of Defense Science says what it describes as a crucial test was the second carried out at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground in a week.

Separately, the chief of the Army's general staff states North Korea has built up tremendous power and the findings will be used to develop new weapons to allow the country to definitely and reliably counter U.S. nuclear threats.
Analysts see the statements as an indication the tests likely involved technologies to improve intercontinental ballistic missiles that can potentially the U.S.
North Korea has been trying to pressure the Trump administration for major concessions as Kim Jong Un's end-of-year deadline for nuclear negotiations approaches.
Ben Thomas, Washington.