UNITED NATIONS, July 5: China and Russia on Wednesday urged caution on the part of the UN Security Council in responding to North Korea’s missile tests and indicated they would oppose the imposition of sanctions, as Japan pushed the world body for a strong resolution.

China and Russia, while expressing deep regrets and concern over the North Korean tests, said they favoured a strong statement instead of a resolution.

Japan called the emergency meeting after Pyongyang test-fired seven missiles on Wednesday — including a long-range Taepodong-2 capable of reaching US soil.

Russian Ambassador Vitali Churkin told reporters that he favoured a strong council reaction, but opposed sanctions. He also urged the 15-member body to consider a presidential statement rather than a resolution.

Japan drafted a resolution, backed by the United States, Britain and France, calling upon al member states to withhold all funds, goods and technology that could be used for North Korea’s missile program.

Japan’s UN Ambassador Kenzo Oshima said he was confident there would be a ‘swift, strong and resolute’ response by the international community to North Korea’s firing of seven missiles.

A visibly shaken Oshima said the firing of the missiles had brought the issue to a very serious level.

Chinese Ambassador Wang Guangya said this is the view of the international community — actions taken should be constructive for maintaining peace in the Korean peninsula.

Talking to reporters before an emergency meeting of the council called by Japan, Mr Wang said: “If all council members feel that some appropriate action is needed by the council, we will see.” “But certainly what happened was a regret.”

French Ambassador Jean-Marie Sablieri, who is also president of the 15-member Security Council for the monthly of July, told reporters that there was a unanimity of views in denouncing North Korean action, but added that some nations differed on measures in the Council.

He said 13 of the 15 members wanted swift and immediate action on the Japanese resolution, but Russia and China were opposed. However, he said that the final decision would be made after a meeting of the council.