Obama warns North Korea against missile test

US President Barack Obama has sent a strong warning to North Korea not to conduct a missile test, warning of 'unspecified steps'.

"International community will take unspecified steps if North Korea conducts missile tests," said Obama.

President Obama is being firm in what could be his first big test in international diplomacy.

As North Korea readies to launch a rocket on Saturday, Japan and US have deployed anti-missile batteries on both land and sea to shoot down debris.

They claim the North Koreans are disguising the launch of a long-range ballistic missile designed to reach United States territory by saying it's a satellite launch.

Washington has had frosty relations with North Korea over its nuclear programme. The belligerent North Koreans have threatened to retaliate if US or Japan take an offensive action.

If Japan recklessly 'intercepts' the DPRK's satellite for peaceful purposes, the KPA will mercilessly deal deadly blows not only at the already deployed intercepting means but at major targets, said a news channel.

China, North Korea's only ally has urged restraint.

"All that China can do is urge all the relevant parties to remain calm and restrained, act cautiously, and avoid taking actions that will escalate the situation," said Qin Gang, spokesperson, Chinese Foreign Ministry.

If North Korea goes ahead with the launch, President Obama will have to strike a balance between punishing Pyongyang and not displeasing the Chinese.