China "regrets" DPRK's satellite launch: FM spokesman

BEIJING, Dec. 12 (People's Daily Online) -- China regrets the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) satellite launch amid the "universal" concern of the international community, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said Wednesday.

Spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks at a daily news briefing, responding to a reporter's question on DPRK's satellite launch.

"The Chinese side always holds that (all sides concerned) should find an ultimate way to long-lasting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula through dialogues and consultations," Hong said.

"(We) hope that all sides concerned will keep calm on the issue and make joint efforts to safeguard the overall situation of peace and stability on the peninsula," he added.

The DPRK successfully launched a satellite into orbit earlier Wednesday, the country's official KCNA news agency reported.

"The DPRK is entitled to the peaceful use of outer space, but that right is currently restrained by relevant UN Security Council resolutions," Hong said, adding that the DPRK, as a member of the United Nations, is obliged to observe the Security Council resolutions.

In response to a question on "what action the Security Council should take," Hong said the Chinese side holds that the Security Council's response should be "prudent and moderate" and conducive to maintaining the overall peace and stability of the peninsula instead of escalating tensions there.

Wednesday's launch marked the DPRK's second attempt this year and its fifth attempt since 1998 to launch a long-range rocket.

The DPRK, whose previous attempt in April ended in failure, has stated that the satellite will be used for peaceful and scientific purposes only, adding that it will abide by international regulations.

Related Reading:

DPRK says it successfully launched controversial long-range rocket

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said Wednesday it successfully fired off a long-range rocket mounted with a satellite, defying expectations that technical problems might delay or even call off the mission that has drawn international attention.

"The second version of satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 successfully lifted off from the Sohae Space Center by carrier rocket Unha-3 on Wednesday," the DPRK's official Korean Central News Agency said, adding the satellite entered orbit.[Read more]

DPRK launches long-range rocket, first stage falls into Yellow Sea: report

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) fired off a long-range rocket mounted with a satellite Wednesday, defying expectations that technical problems might delay the mission that drew international attention.

The move comes after the South Korean authorities said the DPRK seems to have removed the three-stage rocket form the launch pad in an apparent attempt to fix technical problems Pyongyang cited when it extended the launch window by one week until Dec. 29.[Read more]

DPRK's rocket passes Okinawa: Japanese gov't

The Japanese government said Wednesday morning that a rocket launched by the Democratic People' s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has passed Japan's Okinawa at around 10: 01 a.m. local time.

Japan's Self-Defense Forces in Okinawa did not launch their missile interceptors.[Read more]

Japan to convene Security Council on DPRK's rocket launch

The Japanese government said Wednesday that it will convene Security Council at 10:50 local time on a rocket launch by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). [Read more]