Beijing voices 'regret' over satellite launch by DPRK

A DPRK soldier stands in front of the Unha 3 rocket at the launch site in Tongchang-ri, on April 8, 2012. [Photo/IC]

Beijing voiced "regret" on Sunday at the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's disregard of widespread opposition of the international community by launching a satellite with ballistic missile technology.

"China has taken notice of the DPRK announcement of launch of the satellite, and has also taken into account the reactions of the relevant parties," Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters on Sunday.

Hua noted that the DPRK has a right to make peaceful use of the space, but this right is subject to restrictions of the Security Council resolutions.

China hopes that all the relevant parties would "react with a cool mind, act with discretion, refrain from any actions that might escalate the tension on the Korean Peninsula, and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the region," Hua said.

"China has consistently believed that the method for achieving peace, stability, long-term order and tranquility of the peninsula can only be found through dialogue and reconciliation," Hua said.

All the parties should restart contacts and dialogue as soon as possible to avoid further escalation of the situation, the spokeswoman added.

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