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China Appeals for Calm After N. Korean Rocket Launch

South Korean man uses his smartphone to take a photo of television screen reporting news about North Korea's rocket launch at Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, December 12, 2012.

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Shannon Van Sant

December 12, 2012

BEIJING — North Korea launched its rocket Wednesday morning, surprising many countries throughout Asia, including its main ally China. While the move was strongly condemned by Japan and South Korea, China's reaction was more muted.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said China expresses regret at North Korea’s decision to launch the rocket despite extensive concerns in the international community. China says countries should remain calm and that while North Korea has a right to make peaceful use of outerspace, that right is subject to restriction by the United Nations. The spokesman said the U.N. Security Council’s actions should be moderate to avoid escalation of the situation.

Related - Defiant North Korea Carries Out 'Space Launch'

South Koreans watch a television report on North Korea's rocket launch at Seoul railway station in Seoul December 12, 2012.

North Korea has said its rocket launch was aimed at placing a weather satellite into orbit. But experts believe it was an attempt by Pyongyang to master long range missile technology.

Analysts say the move also may be an attempt by North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, who came to power almost a year ago, to shore up domestic support in the impoverished country.

“China values stability overall on the Korean peninsula and understands that Kim Jong Un needs to continue to engage in these types of acts in order to shore up his own domestic legitimacy and to keep peace on the peninsula,” said Stephanie Kleine-Ahlbrandt of the International Crisis Group in Beijing.

Trajectory paths of the UNHA-2 and UNHA-3 rockets near North Korea (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

North Korea also attempted to launch a rocket in April but it misfired.

China is North Korea's only major political ally and its main aid provider. It is seen as one of the few nations with any influence on Pyongyang but has previously resisted calls for more pressure and stronger sanctions on North Korea.

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by: Jimmy from: Arkansas

December 12, 2012 8:36 AM

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Many comments in Vietnamese relating to China's aggressive actions in the East Sea of Vietnam and violation in human rights sent via this forum were not published. Could you VOA please tell me why?

I am afraid there are some China's secret agents in the board of Vietnamese language editors.