The White House has reiterated that the U.S. will not provide food assistance to North Korea if Pyongyang launches a long-range rocket.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney told reporters on Thursday the launch would clearly violate UN Security Resolutions and make it "virtually impossible" for the U.S. to provide food aid.

Carney said there is also a need to be assured that the aid is getting to the people who need it, adding the launch would represent a "significant and clear demonstration of bad faith" and inhibit the U.S. from pursuing a food aid program.

The press secretary said the missile launch is a provocative act, and the U.S. will "continue to monitor the situation there and consult with allies as the situation develops."