WASHINGTON (Yonhap) -- The White House said Monday that it has formally taken issue with suspected missile cooperation between China and North Korea.

"I would say that we've raised the allegations with the Chinese government ... as part of our ongoing close consultations on North Korea," White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said at a daily news briefing.

He was responding to reports that a long-range missile transporter showcased at North Korea's recent military parade seems to be based on Chinese technology.

Suspicions have been persistent here as well that the North might have obtained key components of its missiles from or through neighboring China.

Carney did not comment on how Beijing reacted to Washington's inquiry.

U.N. Security Council resolutions call on member states not to help the North acquire any such military goods.

U.S. concern has grown about the reclusive North's development of intercontinental ballistic missiles since its recent rocket launch, albeit unsuccessful.

"The United States will continue to work with the international community, including China, to enforce sanctions against North Korea's ballistic missile program and nuclear program," Carney added.

He said the U.S. is keeping in mind the possibility of further North Korean provocations.

Many are concerned that Pyongyang may conduct a third nuclear test following those in 2006 and 2009.

The North's military announced earlier Monday that it will take "special actions" against South Korea, indicating an attempt at deadly attacks.

"It is known for engaging in provocations in a series," Carney pointed out. "So I wouldn't rule out provocative behavior by the North Korean regime."

He reiterated that Washington was forced to scrap plans for food aid for Pyongyang due to its rocket launch in breach of bilateral deals and U.N. Security Council resolutions.

"So what is absolutely the case is that provocative behavior by the North Korean regime does nothing to feed its people," he said.

The Obama administration, however, has left the door open for talks with Pyongyang in case it moves to abandon nuclear weapons and follow international rules, he said.