South Korea’s ambassador to the United States says concerned countries are taking preemptive action to block a possible missile launch by North Korea.

Ambassador Han Duck-soo, who officially assumed the post Thursday, told reporters in Washington that numerous countries, including China and Russia, are discussing how best to dissuade the North from pursuing a launch.

Han added that Seoul, Washington and Tokyo share the view that the North would be violating U.N. resolutions if it launches a satellite and not a missile, which is the latest claim made Pyongyang. Han said that concerned parties are preparing for various scenarios should the North attempt either.

On concerns that a renegotiation may be sought for the South Korea-U.S. free trade agreement, Han said he believes problems regarding the matter can be resolved through dialogue, adding that Washington has yet make its stance clear on the trade pact.