China raps North Korea over provocative rocket launch

North Korea’s sole major ally China expressed regret on Wednesday at Pyongyang’s long-range rocket launch, saying its nuclear-armed neighbour should abide by United Nations resolutions on the issue.

The world body has already imposed sanctions against the North over its ballistic missile and atomic programmes, and analysts said Beijing – a veto-wielding permanent Security Council member – was likely to support further measures.

This comes as the White House condemned on Wednesday North Korea’s successful launch of a long-range rocket, calling it a “highly provocative act” that threatens regional security. 

It is the first high-profile foreign policy incident Xi Jinping has had to deal with since taking over as leader of the ruling Communist Party last month, but Beijing’s longstanding policy was unlikely to change significantly, they added.

“We express regret at the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s launch in spite of the extensive concerns of the international community,” foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei, using North Korea’s formal name.

He said Pyongyang should observe “relevant” resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, adding: “We hope relevant parties will keep calm and jointly maintain the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula.”

China is the North’s biggest trading partner and aid provider, and is seen as one of the few nations with any influence over its regime.