North Korea on Sunday had defied international warnings and launched a long-range rocket that the United Nations and others call a cover for a banned test of technology for a missile that could strike the US mainland.
The rocket was fired from North Korea's west coast and its path was tracked separately by the United States, Japan and South Korea.
We take a look at the reactions from around the world on North Korea's rocket launch:
United Nations
The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting today in
The closed-door talks were requested by
Britain
Britain strongly condemned North Korea's launch of a long-range rocket on Sunday and warned of a "robust response" if Pyongyang continued to violate UN resolutions.
"I strongly condemn North Korea's ballistic missile technology test," Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said in a statement.
"This is a clear and deliberate violation of a number of UN Security Council resolutions. North Korea's actions continue to present a threat to regional and international security."
"In conducting this provocation, North Korea has clearly demonstrated that it is intent on prioritising the development of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes over improving the well-being of its own people."
Russia
Russia condemned North Korea's launch of a long-range rocket, saying the move was a serious blow to regional security including that of Pyongyang.
"It is obvious that such actions lead to a serious aggravation of the situation on the Korean peninsula and Northeast Asia on the whole...(and) inflict serious damage to the security of the countries of the region, first and foremost North Korea itself," the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Russia, which is one of the few backers of the isolated Stalinist country and with which it shares a border, said that Pyongyang had once again demonstrated "audacious disdain for the norms of international law."
"The course chosen by Pyongyang cannot but cause a decisive protest," the foreign ministry said.
"We urgently recommend that the North Korean leadership think whether the policy of placing yourself in opposition to the international community is in the country's interests."
United States
The United States has denounced North Korea's launch of a long-range rocket as "destabilising and provocative."
"North Korea's missile and nuclear weapons programs represent serious threats to our interests including the security of some of our closest allies and undermine peace and security in the broader region," White House National Security Advisor Susan Rice said in a statement.
Japan
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe condemned North Korea's launch of a long-range rocket and said it was a violation of UN Security resolutions.
The launch was "absolutely intolerable," Abe told reporters as it came despite repeated protests by the international community. He also called it a "clear violation" of UN Security Council resolutions.
Taiwan
Taiwan said its security had not been affected by North Korea's launch of a rocket carrying what North Korea has said is a satellite.
The launch could advance North Korea's long-range missile technology after its fourth nuclear test on January 6.
China
China "expressed regret" over North Korea's launch of a long-range rocket, after Pyongyang said it successfully put a satellite into orbit.
China is North Korea's sole major ally and main trading partner, but relations between the two have been strained in recent years by Pyongyang's ongoing nuclear programme.
