China calls on DPRK to act prudently

China on Tuesday called on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to act prudently in regard to the country's proposed satellite launch.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a daily news briefing that China has exchanged ideas with the DPRK over the satellite launch several times.

"As a sovereign state, the DPRK is entitled to the peaceful use of outer space. But in view of the situation on the Korea Peninsular and restrictions of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, China hopes the DPRK can proceed from the overall situation of peace and stability on the peninsula and act prudently," Hong said.

Meanwhile, China has maintained contact with other parties to the six-party talks, which also includes the Republic of Korea, the United States, Russia and Japan, said Hong.

"We hope the parties concerned can take a long-term perspective, deal with this calmly, and avoid taking actions that may further escalate the situation," the spokesman said.

China will continue to communicate with all relevant parties and make efforts toward the appropriate resolution of the current situation and regional peace and stability, he added.

The DPRK said Saturday that it is planning to launch another satellite in December after a failed attempt in April.

The second version of the Kwangmyongsong-3 will be launched from the Sohae Space Center in Cholsan County, North Phyongan Province, by the Unha-3 carrier rocket between Dec. 10 and Dec. 22, the official KCNA news agency reported.

The DPRK launched the Kwangmyongsong-3 on April 13 to mark the 100th birthday of late DPRK founder Kim Il Sung. The long-range rocket crashed into the sea after traveling a short distance.