Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353

Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement on North Korea's reported nuclear test:

"Reports of North Korea's fifth nuclear test are disturbing, but unsurprising given China's failure to rein in North Korea's behavior. The detonation reaffirms the wisdom of the United States and our allies' plans to deploy advanced missile defense systems in the region, tighten sanctions, and expand military cooperation. And it further exposes the irresponsibility and short sightedness of Beijing's continued refusal to work with other Asian nations to use its leverage to rein in Kim Jong-un. Time and time again Beijing shows that it is not up to being the great power it aspires to be."