The five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and Japan met Thursday evening but again failed to agree on a U.N. response to North Korea’s rocket launch.

U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Susan Rice, and Japan’s ambassador, Takasu Yukio, described the talks as “productive.” Takasu said he is looking forward to a "strong and unified message from the Security Council."

China’s ambassador to the U.N., Zhang Yesui, said the members need more time to discuss the format of the U.N. response.

Diplomatic sources interpreted his remarks as an implication that the six countries are discussing whether they should adopt a resolution or a statement in the name of the council chairman.