North Korea launches ballistic missiles toward sea off east coast

North Korea fired several ballistic missiles from its capital Pyongyang toward waters off its east coast at around 7:50 a.m. local time on Sunday, South Korea’s military said.

The launch, North Korea’s first ballistic missile test in two months, comes as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung begins a state visit to China on Sunday, during which peace on the Korean peninsula is expected to be discussed.

“Our military has strengthened surveillance and vigilance in preparation for additional launches,” South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement, adding that it is closely sharing information with the United States and Japan.

Japan’s Ministry of Defense said the missiles are believed to have already fallen into the sea. Pyongyang last conducted a ballistic missile test in November.

The launch follows recent remarks by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who called for more than doubling production capacity of tactical guided weapons during a visit to a munitions factory on Saturday, according to state media.

In recent weeks, Kim has toured weapons manufacturing facilities, visited a nuclear-powered submarine, and overseen missile tests ahead of the Workers’ Party’s Ninth Party Congress later this year, where major policy goals are to be outlined.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is hosting Lee for the state visit starting Sunday. Lee’s security adviser, Wi Sung-lac, said Seoul expects Beijing to play a role in promoting peace on the Korean peninsula, though details of the summit agenda were not disclosed.

Analysts said Lee is expected to urge China to help facilitate dialogue with North Korea, even as Pyongyang has rejected recent outreach efforts by the South.