Chinese Ambassador to Japan Cui Tiankai says it is unknown what North Korea will launch, but that it is important to prevent this through diplomatic efforts.

The ambassador told the Asahi Shimbun daily in Tokyo that tension must not be caused on the Korean peninsula.

He also said that China will make efforts to stop North Korea from proceeding with the launch.

He added that members of the international community differ on their interpretation of a 2006 U.N. resolution that bans all ballistic missile-related activities, hinting that China does not agree with the stance of South Korea, the U.S. and Japan that even a satellite launch by Pyongyang would violate the resolution.