9 September 2016, 06:55 GMT
TOKYO (Sputnik) — "North Korea has reached a significant level of miniaturization and power of nuclear weapons," a spokesperson for the ministry told RIA Novosti commenting on Pyongyang's statement regarding the completion of essential part of the nuclear arms development made on Tuesday.
The spokesperson added that the North had reinforced its strategic capabilities and was continuing efforts to develop nuclear and biochemical weapons and ballistic missiles.
"We suppose, that North Korea posses 40 kilograms [88 pounds] of weapons-grade plutonium and the uranium enrichment program is underway," the ministry said.
North Korea has been under pressure from the international community since its January nuclear test and a long-range rocket launch in February, which resulted in tightening sanctions against Pyongyang in the new UN Security Council resolution in March. On September 9, Pyongyang carried out a new nuclear test at its northeastern nuclear test site.
