A host of foreign news media outlets are quoting experts as being skeptical about North Korea’s claim that it has developed the capability to conduct nuclear fusion reactions.

China Daily quoted experts as saying that the North’s nuclear fusion claims are more politically motivated than scientifically proven.

The paper also noted that the North’s claimed date of success on the nuclear fusion project coincided with the birthday of Kim Jong-il on February 16th.

CNN of the U.S. also reported that nuclear experts are casting doubt on the claim.

The Associated Press and BBC also quoted experts as saying that Pyongyang’s development of a nuclear fusion reaction is highly unlikely.