South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said Sunday that North Korea launched several ballistic missiles from its capital region in a move that violated UN Security Council resolutions. In a statement, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missiles were detected early Sunday and flew about 900 kilometers. South Korean and US authorities were analyzing details of the launches. South Korea's Defense Ministry said the launches violated UN Security Council resolutions that ban North Korea from conducting any ballistic missile activity. It urged Pyongyang to immediately halt provocative actions and respond to Seoul's calls to resume dialogue and restore peace on the Korean Peninsula. The launches came hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China for a summit with President Xi Jinping. During his four-day visit, Lee plans to ask China, North Korea's major ally and largest trading partner, to play a "constructive role" in efforts to promote peace on the peninsula, his office said. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said at least two missile launches had been confirmed. "They are a serious problem, threatening the peace and security of our nation, the region and the world," Koizumi told reporters. The launches marked the latest weapons demonstration by North Korea in recent weeks. Analysts say Pyongyang may be showcasing its military capabilities ahead of a long-anticipated ruling Workers' Party congress, the first in five years. Observers are watching the congress for signs of a potential shift in North Korea's policy toward the United States and whether stalled talks between the two countries could resume. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has also strengthened ties with Russia over the war in Ukraine and deepened relations with China, moves analysts say may bolster his negotiating position. North Korea has not announced a date for the congress, though South Korea's intelligence agency has said it is likely to be held in January or February. South Korea and the United States have repeatedly urged China to use its influence to persuade North Korea to return to talks or abandon its nuclear program, though questions remain over the extent of Beijing's leverage. China and Russia have also blocked efforts to tighten sanctions on North Korea in recent years. Later Sunday, South Korea convened an emergency National Security Council meeting to discuss the launches. The council briefed President Lee on the situation and on unspecified response measures, according to the presidential office. — Agencies
