China on Sunday expressed "regret" over North Korea's controversial satellite launch, but advised that the situation must be dealt with calmly and through sustained dialogue.

"With regards to the DPRK's insistence on implementing a launch of missile technology in the face of international opposition, China expresses regret," China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said. "North Korea has right to the peaceful use of space, but that right is limited by the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions."

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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.        

The satellite launched on Sunday morning has been dubbed by North Korea as an 'Earth Observation Satellite', but critics say that the rocket launch is a cloak to test long-range missile technology.         

The United States, South Korea and Japan were quick to condemn North Korea's action. The three countries also demanded an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss possible sanctions against North Korea.      

U.S. Ambassador to UN Samantha Power while speaking to press said, "We will ensure that the Security Council imposes serious consequences.  North Korea's latest transgressions require our response to be even firmer."

According to sources, South Korea is already in discussion with the U.S. for the deployment of a missile defence system in the region.

Sunday's satellite launch was not the first satellite launch by North Korea. The Isolated Communist country launched a satellite in 2012 despite stiff resistance from international community.           

China and North Korea Relations

China is the only ally and major trading partner of North Korea in the world. A reason why international community solely depends on China to pressurize North Korea to curtail its nuclear ambitions.

Experts believe that international community should not read too much into the statement issued by China's Foreign Ministry. Mostly because China does not want to further isolate North Korea, which is already facing immense isolation in the international community.

Foreign experts claim that China fears any further isolation will push North Korea towards an economic and political collapse. 

TagsNorth Korea, china, North Korea Nuclear Missle