The DPRK's plan to launch a satellite later this month has generated unease in the international community.

South Korea has expressed deep concern over the issue and demanded the DPRK withdraw its launch plan.

Japan's Kyodo News Agency reports that Japan will postpone the high-level talks with the DPRK, originally scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday in Beijing. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda asked the government to monitor the situation in case of any accidents.

The US has yet to make any official comments. The US Associated Press points out that the DPRK is aiming to enhance its diplomatic position, as the satellite launch plan comes just after Barack Obama's re-election as US president, and just ahead of South Korea's presidential elections on December 19.