N. Korea rocket plans spark regional concern

North Korea announces plans to launch a working satellite next month to mark the centenary of founder Kim Il-sung's birth - and draws strong reactions from its neighbours.

The country's previous launches have been widely seen as disguised long range missile tests.

Japan voiced strong concerns, calling it a breach of a UN resolution adopted after Pyongyang's 2009 missile tests.

Cabinet secretary General Osama Fujimura said they would be closely monitoring the situation - and called on North Korea to cancel the launch.

Long-term ally China said countries should work hard for regional stability.

This foreign ministry spokesman said constructive efforts were necessary to keep peace on the Korean peninsula.

In South Korea there were mixed reactions, with some seeing it simply as an attention-seeking move.

This man, however says he can't hide his anxiety because North Korea was launching long-range missiles under the guise of rockets for satellites.

North Korea's announcement comes even though Pynogyang said recently it would suspend long range missile testing as part of talks with the United States.

Sunita Rappai, Reuters