Saturday, July 8 2006 11:06 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: The United States and Japan challenged China and Russia to back sanctions against North Korea today (July 8, 2006), calling for a UN Security Council vote on the Stalinist state's missile tests.

Japanese ambassador Kenzo Oshima presented a binding draft resolution to the council, hours after Pyongyang warned any imposition of sanctions would be regarded as 'an act of war.'

"We hope that it will be adopted when it is put to a vote with the broad unanimity of the council," Oshima said.

Veto-wielding China and Russia oppose the text, however, and would prefer a milder, non-binding statement condemning Wednesday's volley of tests, but stripped of punitive measures.

The push for a vote appeared to be a bid to dare China, which supplies impoverished North Korea with energy and economic aid, and which has been embarrassed by the crisis, to veto the measure.

Beijing could also abstain, which would allow the resolution to stand but deprive it of much of its impact.

Some diplomats played down the possibility of a Chinese veto. Asked whether he expected such a move, French ambassador Jean-Marc de La Sabliere said, "I hope not."

Oshima said a vote could come as early as tomorrow.

Despite clear discord among key powers, President George W. Bush said the world must unite to rebuke the reclusive Stalinist state's leader.