A sense of nations holding their breath is coming from South Korea, Japan, the Philippines and other regional states in expectation of a planned North Korean rocket launch. Described as a breach of UN security council resolutions, North Korean authorities claim only peaceful intentions, with the aim to launch a satellite for monitoring weather.

The rest of the world however is unconvinced, with the rocket launch widely seen as a test for long range nuclear missile technology. The launch window is timed to commemorate the founder of the North Korean State, Kim Il-Sung, who died in 1994.

Japanese and Filipino authorities have diverted air traffic and shipping in areas where debris could fall, and Japan has deployed missile intercept weapons systems that will be used if the rocket looks set to fall on Japanese territory.

People living below the expected fight path have been instructed to continue going about their business as normal, but to remain indoors if the rocket is launched. The launch window opened yesterday and runs until Monday ( April 16 ).

Liam Lever, liam@romania-insider.com