The United Nations Security Council has held an emergency meeting on a security crisis sparked by the test firing of missiles by North Korea.
At least seven missiles are known to have been fired, including the long range Taepodong-2 missile, although this failed soon after being launched.
North Korea's neighbours have all voiced their concern, while the US described the tests as 'provocative'.
It is reported that Japan, the United States and Britain are preparing a resolution demanding that nations withhold all funds, goods and technology that could be used for North Korea's missile programme.
Russia and China are opposed to sanctions and instead want a presidential statement from the council, which does not carry the weight of a resolution.
NATO has condemned the action. It urged North Korea to return immediately to six-party talks on its nuclear programme that have been stalled since November.
The EU warned the move strained regional stability and called for the re-establishment of a moratorium on long-range missile testing.
Tokyo spearheaded a push for the UNSC meeting, with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso urging his South Korean and Chinese counterparts to support a UN resolution against the communist state.
It has put its troops and police on a higher state of alert and requested that Japanese citizens do not visit North Korea.
Japan is particularly sensitive to such missile tests. A 1998 missile launch prompted Tokyo and Washington to step up co-operation on missile defences.
The latest tests are expected to harden Japan's resolve to build a joint missile defence programme.
