(VOVworld) – A senior US official warned on Tuesday that North Korea would face "strong actions" from the international community if it goes ahead with a long-range rocket launch in violation of UN resolutions.

A military vehicle carrying what is believed to be a Taepodong-class missile during a military parade in Pyongyang, in 2012 (Photo: AFP)

Speaking to South Korean officials during his visit to Seoul, the US Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken, expressed his hope that North Korea would carefully consider the idea of launching a rocket. The warning was made as there has been speculation for months that the North might launch a long-range rocket to celebrate the 70th anniversary of its ruling Workers' Party on Saturday. But South Korean officials said North Korea showed no sign of preparing for any launch. Pyongyang insists its space programme is purely scientific and designed to put peaceful satellites into orbit. But Washington and its allies have warned that any launch would be deemed a test of ballistic missile technology in violation of UN resolutions.