China reiterates stance on N. Korea's rocket

China reiterated on Monday its stance on North Korea's expected rocket launch, saying the move is against the U.N. Security Council's resolutions.

"North Korea has the right to the peaceful use of outer space, but this kind of right is subject to restriction imposed by the U.N. Security Council's relevant resolutions," said Hong Lei, spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry at a daily press briefing in Beijing, according to the ministry's official Web site.

The remarks were made two days after North Korea announced it would launch a rocket in mid-December to put a satellite into orbit. China also released a statement on Sunday expressing concern about North Korea's plan.

Confirming weeks of speculation, North Korea said Saturday it will launch a long-range rocket between Dec. 10 and 22 to put what it calls a "working satellite" into orbit, with much of the world suspecting it is in reality testing inter-continental ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

The regime is banned by several U.N. resolutions, adopted after Pyongyang's launch of rockets in 2006, 2009 and April of this year, from launching rockets or conducting nuclear tests.

Pyongyang insists it has the sovereign right to launch a rocket to place a scientific satellite into orbit. It tested nuclear devices in early 2006 and 2009 immediately following its rocket launches.

"We urge all the relevant parties to carry out measures conducive to peace and stability on the Korea Peninsula and hope that all parties remain calm and avoid acts that raise tensions, in order to properly handle the current the situation jointly," Hong said.

"China will continue to maintain communication and coordination with all parties."

China, North Korea's staunchest communist ally, has frequently blocked or watered down U.N. resolutions condemning North Korea for its nuclear tests and rocket launches.

(Yonhap News)