China concerned over North Korea missile

Excerpt:

John Delury, a professor at Yonsei University, said a successful satellite launch this month could provide a platform for better relations with the next South Korean administration by getting the provocative act "out of the way" before February. 

"It's a box they have to tick," said Mr Delury. 

But South Korea’s next president could face tense discussions with Washington if Seoul attempts a radical overhaul of policy towards North Korea.

In addition, I would add that the north is also helping Iran to develop long range missiles:

Washington believes North Korea’s satellite programme is aimed at developing long-range rockets capable of carrying nuclear warheads to the US mainland.

V/R

Dave

Last updated: December 2, 2012 11:53 am

China concerned over North Korea missile

By Simon Mundy in Seoul

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/52c1563a-3c1d-11e2-b45f-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2Du1JeDjZ

China has expressed “deep concern” at North Korea’s plan to launch a ballistic missile in December, but called on all sides to “keep a cool head”.

North Korea on Saturday said it would attempt to put a satellite into orbit between December 10 and 22. The announcement further dashed hopes that Kim Jong-eun might improve relations with the US and South Korea.

KCNA, the North Korean state media agency, stressed the “peaceful” nature of the launch, saying Pyongyang would “fully comply with relevant international regulations”.

The announcement drew immediate condemnation from the US, South Korea and Japan. North Korea is banned from using ballistic missile technology under a UN Security Council resolution imposed after it conducted a nuclear test in 2006.

Washington believes North Korea’s satellite programme is aimed at developing long-range rockets capable of carrying nuclear warheads to the US mainland.

The latest move will add to disillusionment in the Obama administration, which hoped to eliminate the North Korean threat through diplomacy.

In February, the two countries signed a deal in which North Korea pledged to suspend its nuclear and missile programmes in exchange for food aid.

(Continued at the link below)

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/52c1563a-3c1d-11e2-b45f-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2Du1JeDjZ