World reaction

France

"France condemns the new tests which Pakistan has just carried out and calls on Pakistan to put a definitive end to such tests.... France renews its appeal to Pakistan and to India to quickly, unconditionally sign the nuclear test ban treaty and participate in negotiations towards a treaty to ban the production of fissile materials aimed at producing nuclear arms." -- from a statement by the French Foreign Ministry.

China

"We express deep regret that Pakistan has conducted nuclear tests once again and are deeply worried and disturbed by the current nuclear arms race in South Asia.... We solemnly appeal to Pakistan and India to exercise maximum restraint.... (China also urges both governments to) immediately renounce their nuclear weapon development programs and prevent the situation from worsening so as to contribute to the peace and stability of the South Asian region." -- from a statement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Japan

The Japanese government strongly denounced the tests, and called Pakistan's move "an act that challenges and runs against the nuclear non-proliferation movement, ignoring the international public movement." Japan, Pakistan's biggest aid donor and trading partner, plans sanctions and says it may recall its ambassador to Pakistan.

Germany

"The renewed nuclear tests in Pakistan are absolutely irresponsible, and the Germany government completely condemns them.... Pakistan wasted a great chance with its first series of nuclear tests. With today's testing, Pakistan has put itself in the wrong and set off a chain reaction with incalculable consequences that will be hard to contain." -- from a statement by German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel.

Australia

"It is deeply regrettable that the Pakistani government has shown absolute disregard for the many direct appeals to exercise restraint and has willfully turned its back on the sincere efforts of the international community to encourage reason to prevail." -- Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer.

The United States

"We are very disappointed that Pakistan continues to ignore the calls to exercise restraint that were made by the international community after its first tests.... This action by Pakistan will further set back our continuing efforts to defuse tensions and halt the spiraling cycle of provocative action.... We again urge both Pakistan and India to cease and desist from any further nuclear or missile tests or any other provocative action or rhetoric." -- from a statement released by the U.S. State Department.

Great Britain and the European Union

"The tests do nothing to enhance Pakistan's security environment. They further escalate tension and heighten concerns about an arms race in South Asia.... In carrying out these further tests, Pakistan has acted in flagrant disregard of international opinion.... The international community is united in its insistence that Pakistan should refrain from further tests." -- British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook. Britain currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union.

sources: The Associated Press and Reuters.