North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan early on Sunday. The launches occurred around 7:50 am from near its capital. The missiles flew about 900 kilometers. South Korea's joint chiefs of staff detected the launches and said they are ready to respond to any provocation. The military is closely sharing information with the US and Japan. Japanese defence minister Shinjiro Koizumi confirmed at least two missiles were launched and called it “a serious threat to the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the world.” South Korea held an emergency national security council meeting later in the day. Officials called on North Korea to stop missile launches that break UN Security Council rules. They also briefed President Lee Jae Myung on the situation. These launches follow increased military activity by North Korea in recent weeks. Since talks with former US President Donald Trump ended in 2019, North Korea has increased weapons tests as it tries to grow its nuclear arsenal. Leader Kim Jong Un has also built ties with Russia and China. South Korean President Lee left for a four-day visit to China to meet President Xi Jinping. Lee plans to urge China to help reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula. South Korea and the US want China to use its influence over North Korea. But China and Russia have stopped efforts to strengthen sanctions in recent years.