NOBEL PEACE PRIZE UPDATE: U.S. bombers fly over South Korea in show of force after nuclear test.

Two U.S. B-1 bombers flew over South Korea on Tuesday in a show of force and solidarity with its ally after North Korea’s nuclear test last week, while a U.S. envoy called for a swift and strong response to Pyongyang from the United Nations.

Speaking in the South Korean capital on Tuesday, Sung Kim, the U.S. envoy on North Korea, added that the United States remained open to meaningful dialogue with Pyongyang on ending its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

“Our intention is to secure the strongest possible (U.N. Security Council) resolution that includes new sanctions as quickly as possible,” Kim told a news briefing after meeting his South Korean counterpart.

Russia and China are reportedly “ambivalent” about new sanctions. Besides which, both countries might find it convenient to allow North Korea to test the incoming U.S. president early in their first term.