Japan extends sanctions against DPRK

TOKYO - The Japanese government decided on Tuesday to extend its sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) for one year.

The sanctions, expiring on April 13, ban all imports from and exports to the DPRK. Japan has been imposing punitive measures on the DPRK since July 2006 following Pyongyang's missile test.

The decision by the Japanese government came at a time when Pyongyang confirmed that it would not give up its planned satellite launch.

A Kyodo News report suggested that a lack of progress in resolving Pyongyang's past abductions of Japanese citizens also led to the extension.

Japan, while preparing to intercept the rocket launch, is also considering introducing additional punitive measures in case that the DPRK goes ahead with its plan, local media reported.

The DPRK announced on March 16 that it would launch an "earth observation" satellite from a station in North Phyongan province between April 12 and April 16, which has raised deep concern from the international community.

China has urged all relevant sides to keep calm and make joint efforts for an appropriate handling of the current situation.