China expressed concern about the North Korea’s planned rocket launch ahead of an international nuclear summit in Seoul, as it tries to portray itself as a peacemaker amid rising pressure on Pyongyang from the US and its allies, The Wall Street Journal reported. Luo Zhaohui, a senior Chinese Foreign Ministry official, reiterated Beijing’s worries and concerns over the launch on Tuesday, a notion first expressed last Friday. Ri Yong Ho, North Korea’s chief nuclear negotiator, warned against any attempt to interfere with the satellite launch during his Beijing visit, a day after Japan’s defense minister said he would consider shooting down a North Korean missile if it poses a danger to his country. “Regarding the planned peaceful satellite launch, should others apply a double standard or inappropriately interfere with our rights, we would have no choice but to respond,” Ri told Chinese state-run television. Analysts widely believe the launch is intended to test a long-range missile.
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