The nation’s top nuclear envoy, Wi Sung-lak, says that if North Korea launches a rocket, China and Russia will not oppose the issue being taken to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

While visiting Washington Tuesday, Wi told reporters that South Korea, the United States and Japan agree countermeasures from the security council were inevitable in the case the North proceeds with launch planned for early April.

However, the envoy said that as some of the concerned parties --- like China and Russia --- hold different positions on the launch, countermeasures could come in a variety of forms, such as UNSC sanctions or a statement condemning the North.

He added Washington and Tokyo were likely to take independent actions against Pyongyang if the launch occurs.