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TOKYO – North Korea fired at least two ballistic missiles towards the east on Sunday, which seemingly landed beyond Japan’s exclusive economic zone, with no reports of damage to vessels or aircraft, as stated by the Japanese government, marking the first such missile activity in nearly two months.

The launches occurred just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for a four-day trip to China, where he is set to participate in summit discussions on Monday with Chinese President Xi Jinping. During their meeting in Beijing, the two leaders are anticipated to address topics such as North Korea’s nuclear program.

Missiles were fired from North Korea’s western coast at approximately 7:54 a.m. and 8:05 a.m., with each attaining a peak height of roughly 50 kilometers and traveling distances of about 900 km and 950 km, respectively, according to the Defense Ministry.

The South Korean armed forces stated that North Korea fired “multiple” suspected ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan at approximately 7:50 a.m., launched from near Pyongyang, with the missiles traveling about 900 km.

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi informed journalists at his office that Tokyo has strongly objected to Pyongyang regarding the launch, stating that the country’s actions, including earlier missile tests, “endanger the peace and security” of Japan, the region, and the global community.

The two projectiles could have followed unpredictable paths, Koizumi stated, noting that Japan will “work closely” with the United States and South Korea in examining the specifics of the most recent missile tests.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi directed staff to collect information and quickly share essential details with the public, while maintaining the security of ships and aircraft and getting ready for possible situations, according to her office.

North Korea last tested a ballistic missile on November 7, with Japan’s Defense Ministry reporting that it was fired eastward from the western coast of North Korea and traveled over 450 km. The South Korean military estimated its range at approximately 700 km.