U.S. officials were circumspect Tuesday about the actions they're seeking to take against Pyongyang.

WSJ: U.S. Tries to Line Up U.N. Rebuke

Given the US's priorities, it is impossible to imagine the White House taking any forthright action against Pyongyang.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: South Korea, North Korea, Israel & Iran

But it backed UN sanctions against Pyongyang after the nuclear test, in a move seen by some as a shift.

BBC: China criticises US missile defence plans

The UN resolution, passed on Tuesday, expanded existing sanctions against Pyongyang that were imposed after its previous nuclear tests and rocket launches.

BBC: North Korea warns South over UN sanctions

The trip, by American envoy, Christopher Hill, follows a decision by the UN Security Council to delay voting on a resolution calling for sanctions against Pyongyang.

NPR: Few Clues Emerge to N. Korean Leader's Motivations

Turning to international news, experts tell Hong Kong's South China Morning Post that Beijing will verify the purpose of any bank accounts linked to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un before taking any action against Pyongyang.

BBC: China media: Political models

In October 2007 Mr Roh went to Pyongyang, against the advice of George Bush's White House.

ECONOMIST: South Korean politics

In Japan, the government convened a national security meeting soon after the test was detected, and later announced additional sanctions against the North, including a widening of entry ban for pro-Pyongyang ethnic Korean residents.

WSJ: North Korea Tests Nuclear Device

Instead, he said, increased economic sanctions against North Korea are likely the only path the Obama administration can pursue in response to any rocket test by Pyongyang, which would be in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

WSJ: U.S. to Allow North Korea Test Launch