Chinese President Hu Jintao has urged all countries concerned with North Korea’s plan to launch a rocket to exercise calm and restraint.

China’s Xinhua News Agency reported that Hu made the call during a summit with U.S. President Barack Obama in Seoul on Monday.

The news agency said Hu and Obama extensively shared views on the North’s planned rocket launch and situations on the Korean Peninsula. Hu expressed deep interest and concern over the latest development in the region.

Xinhua said the Chinese president also called on all concerned parties to properly address the planned launch through diplomatic and peaceful means in order to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia.

Hu added he hopes the North and the U.S. will continue to engage in dialogue and contacts and observe agreements they reached to improve bilateral ties.