North Korea may conduct nuclear test to mark key political anniversary

Rogue state to celebrate 72nd anniversary of founding of ruling Workers Party

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un celebrates what was said to be the test launch of an intermediate range Hwasong-12 missile (AP)

North Korea could conduct a missile or nuclear weapons test within the next 10 days as it commemorates two significant political events, experts warn.

On Tuesday, North Korea celebrates the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers Party, while 18 October marks the beginning of China’s 19th Party Congress.

The 10 October anniversary is marked as Party Foundation Day in the rogue state with an annual holiday, including speeches, public performances and military parades.

Experts are warning that this year could also see North Korea round off the celebrations by conducting a ballistic missile test.

"The North Koreans love to fire off their missiles or have their nuclear tests coincide with a big anniversary. That's the way they operate....On the 10th, there might be some kind of missile fired," Evelyn Farkas, non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, told CNBC.

China’s 19th Party Congress beginning on 18 October is also an opportunity for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, to act out against sanctions by testing a weapon.

The Congress will determine China’s leadership for the next five years and is the biggest political event in the country.

China’s current President, Xi Jinping, has seen his relationship with Mr Kim sour as the world superpower announced it would restrict several aspects of trade with North Korea.

In an attempt to undermine China and dominate headlines across the globe, North Korea may opt for another missile test during the all-important Congress.