North Korea has announced the failure of the country's planned satellite launch.

The failed launch has triggered mixed reactions from the international community. China has urges all concerned to remain calm for the sake of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and the region.

The US, South Korea and Japan, meanwhile, have all condemned the action as a violation of UN resolutions and a threat to regional stability.

Wei Tong has more.

North Korea has, through its state TV, announced the failed launch of the country's first satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 at 7:38 am local time.

"The earth observation satellite failed to enter its preset orbit. Scientists, technicians and experts are now looking into the cause of the failure."

Citizens in Pyongyang said they will not be discouraged by the failure.

"I am sure that after this failure we can gain strength and succeed in launching a satellite in future."

"I think success and failure are two sides of the same coin."

Mixed reactions have aroused from the international community over the failed launch.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said that China has demanded calm over the issue for a regional stability.

"China has noted the situation regarding North Korea's satellite launch and the reactions of all parties concerned. China urges all concerned to remain calm and exercise restraint, in an effort to jointly safeguard the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and the region."

Meanwhile, foreign ministers of Russia, China and India have jointly called for a sooner resumption of the six-party talks over the nuclear issue of the Korean Peninsula.

South Korea has put its military on alert after the failed launch. Shin Won-sik is an official from South Korean Defense Ministry.

"This is grave provocation and a serious military threat against the international community and South Korea. We are increasing South Korea-US joint inspection to monitor North Korea's military situation."

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has condemned North Korea's satellite launch saying it is unacceptable, provocative and a violation of UN resolutions.
Fujimura added that Japan will enhance coordination with the United States, South Korea, China and Russia and urge the UN Security Council to take actions against North Korea.

The UN Security Council is to convene a meeting later Friday to discuss how to respond to North Korea's satellite launch.

North Korea insisted that the satellite launch was a peaceful mission with the goal of scientific research and improvement of people's livelihood. And it was also to mark the birth centennial of the country's founding father Kim Il Sung.