Pyongyang test-fires multiple projectiles

SEOUL - The Democratic People's Republic of Korea test-fired multiple projectiles believed to be ground-to-ship cruise missiles on Thursday into its eastern waters, the Republic of Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

The short-range missiles were launched from the city of Wonsan on the country's east coast in the morning, the JCS said in a statement.

The missiles flew about 200 kilometers into the DPRK'S eastern waters. The ROK and the United States said they were jointly analyzing details on the test-launches.

Beijing on Thursday called for all parties to remain restrained under the current circumstances and avoid behavior that intensifies tensions. "We've noticed reports as well as their different expressions concerning the nature of the missiles," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said, noting that the United Nations Security Council resolutions have clear stipulation on Pyongyang's use of ballistic missiles technologies.

"All sides should work together to ease tensions and make active efforts to maintain regional stability," she added.

The ROK military has strengthened surveillance and vigilance in preparation for additional DPRK provocation, while maintaining full defense preparedness, the JCS said.

The DPRK projectiles were not ballistic missiles. Under UN Security Council resolutions, Pyongyang is banned from testing any ballistic missile technology.

The test-firing came as the US military dispatched nuclear-powered aircraft carriers to waters off the Korean Peninsula.

The launches were immediately reported to ROK President Moon Jae-in right after being detected, according to local media reports.

Pyongyang has conducted missile launches five times since Moon took office on May 10.

After the launch, Tokyo said that the secretary-general of Japan's ruling party will visit Seoul at the weekend and is likely to meet Moon.

Arrangements were being made for Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai, the second-most powerful politician in the ruling party after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, to visit the ROK from June 10 to 13, an official said.

China Daily - Xinhua - Reuters