North Korea has admitted its much hyped long-range rocket failed to deliver a satellite into orbit, dealing a blow to the reclusive state.

North Korea will hold a ruling Workers’ Party convention in September to choose a new leadership, state media said on Saturday.

China deflected pressure to censure North Korea at a regional summit on Sunday, instead urging its neighbours to calm tensions.

Reclusive North Korean leader Kim Jong-il is reportedly in China seeking aid and protection from his only major ally.