United Nations

"The secretary-general deplores the rocket launch announced by the DPRK. "It is a clear violation of Security Council resolution 1874, in which the council demanded that the DPRK not conduct any launch using ballistic missile technology."

- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon's spokesman Martin Nesirky

European Union

"The EU will consider an appropriate response, in close consultation with key partners including possible additional restrictive measures."

- EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton

China

"We express regret at the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's launch in spite of the extensive concerns of the international community. China always maintains that the fundamental approach to the realization of ensuring peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula should be found through dialogue. We hope the parties involved will keep calm and jointly maintain the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula. The DPRK has the right to make peaceful use of outer space but this right is also subject to the restriction of UN Security Council resolutions."

- Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei

United States

"This action is yet another example of North Korea's pattern of irresponsible behavior. The United States remains vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations and fully committed to the security of our allies in the region. "Given this current threat to regional security, the US will strengthen and increase our close coordination with allies and partners."

- National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor

Republic of Korea

"Together with the international community, the government of the Republic of Korea strongly condemns North Korea for defying repeated international warnings against the launch and for going ahead with the provocation.

- Government statement

China Daily