The UN ambassadors from South Korea and the U.S. have lead the criticism and have unilaterally said they will look into deploying an advanced missile defence system in the region.
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Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called the launch “absolutely unacceptable”.
After Pyongyang’s launch of a long-range rocket on Sunday, South Korean and USA military officials said they would start formal discussions on placing the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence System (THAAD) on the North’s doorstep.
But the move was internationally condemned as North Korea is banned under United Nations sanctions from using any ballistic missile technology.
“It would be specifically put into place to deal with the threat posed by North Korea alone”, he said.
A metal object believed to be a part of North Korean long range rocket launched Sunday is seen in this undated handout picture provided by South Korean Defense Ministry and released Tuesday by Yonhap news agency.
North Korea launched a long-range rocket that it said carried communication satellite Kwangmyongsong-4, named after late leader Kim Jong Il, on Sunday morning. But Beijing has been reluctant to back measures that would take aim at North Korea’s already weak economy.
North Korea’s controversial satellite launch comes just a week after Pyongyang defiantly conducted a nuclear test, which equally drew condemnation from across the world.
China has expressed deep concerns over the decision by the USA and South Korea to launch an official negotiation on the deployment of THAAD. He also sought Seoul’s cooperation in solving the issue of North Korea’s abductions of Japanese nationals.
“As with the fourth nuclear test by North Korea on January 6, this launch constitutes once again a total disregard to regional and global security and stability”, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
North Korea says it has a sovereign right to pursue a space programme.
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Obama spoke with the two leaders by phone separately on Monday night, according to the White House, condemning North Korea’s actions and calling for a strong worldwide response, including a United Nations Security Council resolution.
