May 26 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S., China, Japan and Russia have agreed that the United Nations Security Council should adopt a strong resolution censuring North Korea for its nuclear test and missile launches, U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice said.

“We share a common set of objectives, which are to convey very clearly and unequivocally that the actions by North Korea run counter to the interests of regional peace and security, violate international law and need to be dealt with directly and seriously,” Rice said after a meeting in New York that also included envoys of Britain, France and South Korea.

Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said his government would support a “strong” resolution, while saying that a draft text hasn’t yet been introduced. China’s Ambassador Zhang Yesui also expressed support for Security Council action.

The diplomats didn’t say what type of additional sanctions against North Korea have been proposed by the U.S. or Japan, which are leading the initiative. Japan’s Ambassador Yukio Takasu told reporters there was a “common understanding” of what needed to be done.

The Obama administration is seeking a unified international response after Kim Jong Il’s government said it conducted a nuclear test yesterday and launched three short-range missiles. The regime test-fired two further missiles today, South Korea’s Yonhap News agency reported, citing a government official it didn’t identify. South Korean and U.S. officials were attempting to verify the launch.

South Korea agreed today to join a U.S.-led program to prevent shipments of weapons of mass destruction. North Korea had previously warned the government in Seoul not to sign up to the program, in which more than 90 countries participate.

Japan’s lower house of parliament today unanimously adopted a resolution condemning what it called a “reckless act” by North Korea and urging the government to impose tougher sanctions on the communist regime.

To contact the reporter on this story: Bill Varner at the United Nations at wvarner@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: May 26, 2009 18:43 EDT