China reiterates close attention on DPRK satellite launch

China on Tuesday reiterated that it is paying close attention to the satellite launch plan of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and vowed to maintain communication with all parties, including the DPRK and the United States.

Responding to a report that the DPRK appears to be disassembling a long-range rocket it was planning to launch according to satellite images, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said, "We have noticed the report and are paying close attention to the situation."

The DPRK said Monday that the period in which it was planning to launch a scientific satellite had been extended to Dec. 29, one week behind the original Dec. 10-22 window.

Hong told a regular press briefing that China holds a clear and consistent stance on the issue. He said China is in communication with all parties, including the DPRK and the United States.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi had a phone call with his U.S. counterpart Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Dec. 7, according to Hong.

"We hope parties concerned can take a long-term perspective, deal with this calmly and appropriately, avoid taking actions that may further escalate the situation, and jointly maintain the peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region as a whole," Hong said.