LONDON - CHINESE President Hu Jintao has urged Japan to handle an expected firing of a rocket by North Korea over Japanese territory calmly, though he says Beijing is working to avert the launch.

Mr Hu made the comment in a meeting late Thursday with Japan's prime minister, Taro Aso, on the sidelines of a meeting of the Group of 20 rich and industrializing nations, said Osamu Sakashita, Mr Aso's deputy cabinet secretary for public relations.

China says it is trying in various ways to dissuade Pyongyang from conducting the communications satellite launch that is widely believed to be a test for a long-range missile. The launch could come as early as Saturday, weather permitting, and is expected to fly over Japanese territory.

During his visit to London, Mr Aso won support from South Korean President Lee Myung Bak for Japan's moves to defend itself.

Tokyo has sent warships with anti-missile systems off its northern coast and set up Patriot missile interceptors where North Korea has warned debris from the rocket might fall. Japan says it has no intention of trying to shoot down the rocket.

Japan, South Korea and the US have repeatedly warned that they will take the issue up with the UN Security Council if the launch goes ahead.

However, China has urged all involved to avoid conflict over the issue.

'All relevant countries are obligated to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and northeast Asia,' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said in a routine press briefing on Thursday in Beijing.

'China has paid close attention to the development of the issue. Parties involved should stay cool-headed and show restraint at the current stage, and avoid any action that may further complicate the situation,' Mr Qin said.

Also Thursday, Mr Hu and Mr Aso agreed that the Japanese leader would pay an April 29-30 visit to China, Mr Sakashita said. -- AP