China sits unmoved in North Korea uproar

BEIJING (Reuters) - China is the only low-key voice in the international outcry over North Korea's planned rocket launch and is likely to stay that way, putting the stability of the reclusive state ahead of any retaliatory sanctions.

The United States, South Korea and Japan have sounded alarm at the impending launch, which they say is a long-range missile test in all but name. Even Russia last week urged Pyongyang to abandon plans to fire the rocket some time from April 4 to 8.

But China, the closest North Korea has to a major ally and economic partner, has kept above this fray. While Beijing may use its growing clout to influence global events, here it is using that weight to sit unmoved despite the push against a launch.

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