(VOvworld) - The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that North Korea had launched a long-range rocket succeeding its mission of placing a satellite in orbit. The news agency also said the launch of the second version of Kwangmyongsong-3 satellite was from the Sohae Space Centre on Friday. Few minutes after the launch, the spokesperson for the Japanese government, Head of the Cabinet Office Osamu Fujimura said that the rocket had passed over parts of Okinawa prefecture, south of the Japanese mainland, but no debris infringed on the Japanese territory. He said Japan launched no interception. According to Osamu Fujimura, the debris of the rocket fell into the Pacific, 300 km east of the Philippine Coast. The spokesman called the launch "extremely regrettable" and something that Japan "cannot tolerate". Japan has called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. The Philippines has issued red alarm following the North Korea’s missile launch and announced the no fly zones, no fishing zone and banned ships off the Luzon island. Meanwhile, South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency reported that part of the North Korea’s missile fell into the sea off the Jeolla province. South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, called an emergency meeting of his top advisers. Head of the External Relations Committee of the US House of Representatives Ileana Ros Lehtinen condemned the launch as a "provocative action" and breach of U.N. rules.

Meanwhile, China expressed "regret" at the launch. The spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Hong Lei told reporters that China paid attention to North Korea’s satellite launch and reactions from parties involved. "China is regretful about Democratic People's Republic of Korea's launch in spite of the extensive concerns of the international community. China always intends negotiations to seek a fundamental solution to maintaining peace and stability on the Korean peninsula. We hope that involved parties respond with patience and work together to maintain peace and stability on the Korean peninsular”, said Mr. Hong Lei.

Mr. Hong Lei also said that Pyongyang has the rights to develop its space for peaceful purposes however this right must be practiced within the framework of relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council.