High-ranking military and security officials from China and the US on Wednesday discussed tensions triggered by the rocket launch during regular defense talks in Washington, but released no details.

Though Washington appears to have taken a tough stand against Pyongyang after the launch, The Associated Press said in an analysis on Thursday that the Obama administration is drawing no "red line'' for the DPRK, tempering its public condemnation to avoid raising tensions or possibly rewarding Pyongyang with too much time in the global spotlight.

The news agency said: "The US wants to forcefully condemn what it believes is a 'highly provocative act', and that was the first public reaction from the White House late Tuesday. But it also is mindful of the turmoil on the Korean Peninsula and is treading carefully, offering no threat of military action or unspecified 'consequences' associated with other hot spots."

The restrained response contrasts with US warnings against Iran and Syria, it added.

Experts have said that as Pyongyang refines its technology, its next step may be to conduct its third nuclear test.

Huang Youfu, a professor of Korean studies at Minzu University of China, said aside from Washington, Seoul is also likely to take a softer attitude toward Pyongyang soon after elections on Wednesday.

"The two main candidates for the ROK presidency tend to be softer than the current President Lee Myung-bak toward Pyongyang. So no matter who wins, eased relations can be expected," Huang said.

"And leaders of the DPRK must have been aware of that. There is no reason for Pyongyang to resist the Six-Party Talks now. However, there might be other factors from other countries blocking the way."

AP and AFP contributed to this story.

Contact the writer at lixiaokun@chinadaily.com.cn