North Korea’s sixth nuclear test and claim the same day to have completed development of a thermonuclear weapon for an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) force drew swift and predictable condemnation from the U.S.

But while rhetoric from the Department of Defense suggests American shows of force and efforts to increase deterrence on the peninsula can be expected in the short-term, White House and Treasury statements imply Washington’s overarching goal remains to significantly increase the economic and political costs North Korea must bear to continue developing its nuclear and missile programs.

The question