BEIJING - China regrets the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) satellite launch amid the "universal" concern of the international community, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Wednesday.

Spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks during a daily news briefing.

The DPRK successfully launched a satellite into orbit earlier Wednesday, the country's official KCNA news agency reported.

Wednesday's launch marked the DPRK's second attempt this year and its fifth attempt since 1998 to launch a long-range rocket.

The DPRK, whose previous attempt in April ended in failure, has stated that the satellite will be used for peaceful and scientific purposes only, adding that it will abide by international regulations.