Gillard condemns North Korea rocket launch

AUSTRALIA has condemned North Korea's rocket launch and is calling for a swift and strong response from the United Nations Security Council.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard described the launch as a provocative and irresponsible act that would threaten the stability and security of the Asia-Pacific region.

"This was another disappointing example of North Korea choosing a path of militarism and isolation," she said in a statement on Wednesday, noting it was the second, costly, long-range rocket launch this year.

"And all the while its people struggle to get the food they need to survive."

North Korea says the launch was aimed at putting a satellite into orbit but it is widely seen as a way for the secretive dictatorship to test its ballistic missile technology.

Authorities in Japan and South Korea say the launch was significantly more successful than a failed April attempt, with the device following its planned path over Japan, the East China Sea and plunging into the ocean east of the Philippines.

Ms Gillard said Australia would express its concerns directly to the North Korean government, and called on it to abide by UN resolutions and stop its provocations.

"Australia urges the Security Council to meet urgently and respond firmly," she said.

The launch comes just a few days out from the first anniversary of the death of North Korea's former ruler, Kim Jong-il. He was replaced by his son, Kim Jong-un.

United States Ambassador to Australia Jeff Bleich said such provocative actions by North Korea were counterproductive and created significant problems.

"They are playing with fire," he warned during an address to the National Press Club in Canberra.

"I'm confident the US will condemn it and obviously we're going to have to consult with our other partners in the region about what is appropriate in response to this."

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