China promises to try to dissuade N. K. from rocket launch

China promised Monday to try to dissuade North Korea from its planned long-range rocket launch, expressing "deep concern" that the move could have negative effects on peace on the Korean Peninsula and efforts to resume six-party nuclear talks, an official said.

Chinese officials made the remarks during summit talks with South Korea.

"Expressing deep concern, the Chinese leadership said it is urging North Korea to give up the satellite launch and focus on development of the lives of ordinary people," Kim Tae-hyo, a senior presidential security official, told reporters during a briefing on the summit. (Yonhap News)